Irises 1942

"Irises" (1942) is a watercolor painting by New Zealand artist Rita Angus, known for her stylized depictions of New Zealand flora and landscapes. The artwork features a bouquet of purple irises arranged in a brown cylindrical vase, their delicate petals rendered with a sense of realism and subtle color variation. The simplified background and clear outlines contribute to the work's formal, almost geometric composition, reflecting the influence of modernism on Angus's artistic style. "Irises" is part of the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū's collection, showcasing the artist's ability to capture both the beauty and the essence of the natural world.