Hydrangeas 

Augustus John’s "Hydrangeas" captures a seemingly simple subject, but it resonates with the complexities of early 20th-century British society. John, an artist known for his bohemian lifestyle, often depicted marginalized figures. His intimate focus on the hydrangeas transforms the floral still life into a personal statement. During this time, the Edwardian era was giving way to modernism, and John was at the forefront of artists breaking from tradition. While flowers have often been associated with femininity, John's assertive brushstrokes and bold color choices challenge these notions. The painting becomes not just a study of form, but a reflection of the artist's individual identity, pushing against social norms. This painting invites us to consider the beauty in the unconventional, echoing the artist's own life and choices. "Hydrangeas" becomes a quiet but powerful symbol of personal expression.