Vase of Strelitzias and Hibiscus Flowers 

Maggie Laubser painted this still life, Vase of Strelitzias and Hibiscus Flowers, with oils on canvas. Laubser was a South African expressionist painter and her work often explored the landscapes and culture of her home country. The vibrant colours and bold brushstrokes in this painting reflect the Fauvist influence she picked up during her time in Europe. But it’s the choice of subject matter that situates the work in its specific time and place. Strelitzias, or bird-of-paradise flowers, are native to South Africa, and their inclusion speaks to a growing sense of national identity in the early to mid-20th century. The hibiscus, while not native, had become a popular ornamental flower and was increasingly associated with tropical or exotic locales. As an art historian, I am interested in how Laubser's paintings engaged with and contributed to these evolving cultural narratives. Researching exhibition records and critical responses from the period helps us understand how her art was received and how it participated in the construction of South African identity.