Peonies 1946

Kateryna Bilokur created ‘Peonies’ without specifying a precise date, using what appears to be oil on canvas. The immediate impression is one of vibrant color, dominated by a luminous yellow backdrop against which the pink and green of the peonies create a striking contrast. Looking closer, we see how Bilokur uses layering and detail to achieve a complex, almost tactile representation. The petals are not merely colored surfaces but possess volume and depth, achieved through subtle gradations and careful attention to texture. Notice how the composition isn't simply a flat arrangement; there's a clear attempt to create depth, drawing the viewer's eye into the layers of flowers and leaves. This work can be viewed through the lens of structuralism, observing how Bilokur uses a visual language of floral representation to express deeper emotional or symbolic content. It challenges the fixed meanings often associated with still life, inviting us to interpret the peonies not just as beautiful objects but as carriers of cultural and personal significance.