Vase of Flowers Pansies 

Editor: So here we have "Vase of Flowers Pansies," an undated piece by Odilon Redon, seemingly rendered in pastels or gouache. There’s a gentle, almost dreamlike quality to it, and the colors are so vibrant against the muted background. I am curious to know your thoughts about the mood. What do you see in this piece, or how do you interpret it? Curator: It’s a quiet poem, isn't it? I'm drawn to how Redon orchestrates this contrast, a clash that’s also a harmony between the vibrant, almost defiant blossoms and the hushed earthiness surrounding them. I see Redon engaging in a conversation about what is seen and unseen, felt but not necessarily spoken, but do you observe how this connects with the Symbolist movement of the time? Editor: It seems that it focuses less on directly representing reality and more on conveying a certain emotion or feeling, which perfectly aligns with Symbolism. It also creates a feeling of introspection! Curator: Exactly, the composition feels quite deliberate, almost like a stage set. These elements invite introspection, beckoning us to reflect on beauty and life. Perhaps what we feel most strongly can't quite be put into words or copied with paint alone. Editor: The flowers have an ethereal feel, they certainly evoke such delicate emotions. Curator: Now, look at the vase. A strong cobalt blue that appears like an emotional anchor. Do you think that this contrast of strong color in both flowers and vase represents some balance between the temporary beauty of the pansies, and the support needed in real life, what provides grounding and holds these moments. Editor: I agree with that idea! This feels like a really insightful view on still life paintings; it goes beyond mere representation to something more profound and emotionally resonant. It makes you reflect on symbolism. Thank you so much! Curator: My pleasure. It's art’s power isn’t it, it nudges us to consider things anew.