Water Lilies 

Editor: This piece is titled "Water Lilies" and it's rendered in graphite on paper. The artist is Alexander Patrick Fleming, although it’s undated. The stark monochrome combined with the realism gives it a strikingly meditative quality. What strikes you most about this drawing? Curator: The water lily, or lotus, has incredible symbolic resonance across cultures and throughout history. In many Eastern traditions, it signifies purity, spiritual awakening, and rebirth because of its ability to rise, pristine, from muddy waters. Do you see how this ties into the graphic quality, its contrast between dark and light? Editor: Absolutely, there’s a sense of emergence there. The dark shading surrounding the light blossom emphasizes that journey from darkness to light. Is that a conscious choice, do you think? Curator: Undoubtedly. The artist likely understood that visual contrast amplifies the lotus's inherent symbolism. The precision of the drawing enhances the spiritual overtones with each carefully placed line contributes to this feeling. Does it remind you of anyone? Editor: Now that you mention the careful line work and spiritual overtones, the name Georgia O'Keeffe springs to mind! The drawing has an internal quality, but less abstract than O'Keeffe. Curator: Interesting observation. Although seemingly simple, the water lily resonates deeply because it acts as a potent reminder of cycles, transformation, and the enduring power of hope. And for me, that's a potent message conveyed through this humble yet powerful drawing. Editor: I agree, thinking about the symbolic depth gives the drawing a new level of meaning. I appreciate the cultural connections you highlighted.