A Fruitful February Foretold

Jan272025

A Fruitful February foretold

A Fruitful February is foretold – well that’s what we’re manifesting at Life: Full Colour. It’s been a tough 18-months in the Art World along with numerous storms to batter us. But there’s lot to take heart from our shortest month.

Love is…

February often evokes themes of love, with Valentine’s Day at its midpoint. I can conjure up that iconic piece that captures romance and intimacy “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt or indeed the beautifully intimate painting by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: “In Bed, The Kiss” – featured here.

February is often represented by its flower, the violet, or its birthstone, amethyst. The violet, with its rich hues and delicate petals, embodies humility and faithfulness. Amethyst, a gem of deep purple, has been associated with clarity and calm. Together, they represent the time between winter’s chill and the promise of spring.

And then there’s the Pineapple

Georgia O’Keeffe’s depiction of the “Pineapple Bud” (1939) may not immediately seem to reflect themes akin to those in a violet or amethyst. Yet in O’Keeffe’s hands, a simple bud transforms into a celebration of life’s complexity, making the ordinary extraordinary. Which is an idea February quietly champions. But there is a lovely story behind the creation of O’Keefe’s pineapple painting.

A short story or Art

In February 1939, the Hawaiian Pineapple Company (yes that did exist) invited Georgia O’Keeffe to Hawaii for a commission to create two paintings for an advertising campaign promoting their pineapple juice. The company offered her an all-expenses-paid trip, allowing her artistic freedom in choosing her subjects.

During her nine-week stay, O’Keeffe produced 20 paintings focusing on tropical flowers, landscapes, and cultural artefacts. Yet, she did not paint a pineapple, which was the company’s primary interest. To address this, the company sent her a peeled and sliced pineapple, which O’Keefe referred to as “manhandled.” In the end, she painted “Pineapple Bud” thus capturing the essence of the fruit in her own distinctive style.

February at Celf Palas

Our exhibition programme for 2025 kickstarts with a Marvellous Mixed Media Show from Saturday 1st February. It’s an ideal opportunity to acquire your own juicy fruit or fabulous flower from our artists including Jill Jones FRSA, Judith Donaghy, Amanda Webster, Dermod Ruddock, Ann Lewis VPRCA and more.