Ruby Rose 2021

Allison Reimold's ‘Ruby Rose’ presents us with an image of a figure emerging from the petals of a rose. The rose, a symbol of love and beauty since ancient times, appears in diverse contexts. From the Greek myth of Aphrodite to the Virgin Mary in Christianity, the rose embodies both earthly and divine love. The act of framing a face with petals is seen in antiquity, specifically funerary portraits from Roman Egypt, where the deceased were adorned with floral wreaths. This symbol suggests a transition, or a transformation. Consider Botticelli's ‘Birth of Venus,’ where the goddess emerges from a shell, similarly framed by elements of nature. The rose has evolved, appearing in various artistic forms throughout history and suggesting a cyclical motif of rebirth and renewal. This image invites viewers to consider the psychological weight of beauty and the complex interplay between nature and the human form.