Pamela Wolfe: Fantasia

Pamela Wolfe is regarded as one of New Zealand’s pre-eminent painters and is renowned for her beautiful vibrant canvases of large flowers.

In previous years, Wolfe’s floral portraits made clear connection with 17th Century Dutch still-life paintings, and were distinguished by their dark backgrounds. The flowers in these works from 2018 are presented against lighter backgrounds, giving the floral arrangements a contemporary appearance, and with a sharp intense sense of colour.

Wolfe employs a full, saturated palette depicting the three phases of the flower- from bud to bloom and inevitable decay – thereby referencing the passage of time and the effects that it wreaks on nature.