“Flowers are often observed as an element in a landscape painting, a still life study or a stately portrait, but they are most interesting to us when they play a supporting role in figurative art," says Joi Jackson-Perle, gallery director of RJD Gallery. “They never seem to take a back seat to the main subject, and command attention as they defiantly peek out from the background in a field; their petals dance on a breeze unseen or their cheery blooms call to us from a sweater or a hair band, pointing us towards symbolic meanings and deep introspection. Flowers immediately catch our eye, and our imagination, and gently guide us into the marvelous and mysterious world of art.” A forthcoming exhibition at the Romeo, Michigan-based RJD Gallery plays with this very idea—the role of the flower in figurative art. More than mere props or things of beauty, flowers have a life of their own, contributing in subtle ways to the intricate stories of the paintings in which they reside.Phillip Thomas, Camouflage, limited edition unframed giclée print, ed. of 500, 36.6 x 20”

One of the paintings in the exhibition is Grant Gilsdorf’s Bee-Lieve in the Mission, which also happened to grace the cover of American Art Collector's August 2021 issue. “We romantically associate fragrance, color, tenderness and life to flowers. Their visual presence, even when depicted in a painting, seems to soften our gaze,” says Gilsdorf. “We are helplessly attracted. An interesting exploration happens when an artist attaches discordant elements to said flowers. In the case of my painting, we see a Black male adorned in flowers. This allows the viewer to meet this subject with tenderness and an open mind. Once there, I hope the painting disarms traditional notions of masculinity and allows the viewer to approach and discern the deeper meaning embedded in the painting’s remaining details.”Carrie Pearce, When She Woke, oil on panel, 36 x 24”

Kris Lewis, The Avarice Colony, limited edition unframed giclée print, ed. of 500, 25.7 x 20”

In Daniela Werneck’s Bloom, a young girl buries her head in her arms, a red flower perched atop her head. “Earlier this year, I brought my niece from Portugal to spend a few days with us here in Houston, Texas. It was late February and the warm feeling of spring was already surrounding us here. Her adolescence, full of doubts, anxieties, expectations and dreams took me back to my past when I was her age. Bloom represents my memories of dreams and fears when we were younger, which make part of the blossoming of our character into adulthood,” Werneck says of the piece.Andrea Kowch, Dawning, limited edition unframed giclée print, ed. of 500, 25½ x 20”

Grant Gilsdorf, Bee-Lieve in the Mission, oil on ACM, 30 x 24”

What If, by Ayana Ross, explores the “possibility of reexamining and reimaging the structures of our society.” The artist says, “The young girl depicted looks toward the opening in the creeping vines, a hopeful path forward, while the partial North Star quilt pattern behind her guides her way. The hairpiece, not taking the place of her own identity, indicates a new perspective in effectively readdressing and rebuilding systems that could better serve all.”Daniela Werneck, Bloom, Watercolor on panel, 8 x 8”

Kate Samworth brings a scratchboard piece titled Zephyr, depicting a girl running with several deer through a cemetery field. “Graveyards can be beautiful places. They appear frequently in the scratchboards from my recent series. Zephyr is an exploration of the act of accepting death as part of life,” Samworth says.Ayana Ross, What If, oil on canvas, 40 x 30”

Other striking artworks in the show include paintings by Carrie Pearce and Andrea Kowch’s Dawning, of a woman with wind-swept hair, holding a drink in mid-spill. A field of dying sunflowers fills the backdrop, while a dead wasp lay on the window sill in the foreground. In Kris Lewis’ The Avarice Colony, a woman holds a golden skull surrounded by vivid red flowers.

Floral Engagements will be on view at RJD Gallery from September 1 to 30. 

RJD Gallery 227 N. Main Street • Romeo, MI 48065
(586) 281-3613 • www.rjdgallery.com 

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