Orchids & Roses 

Mark Arian created 'Orchids & Roses', and although the date of production is not given, we can still delve into the materials and their deeper meanings. Arian worked with oil paint on canvas, a traditional medium for fine art. But the effect he achieves goes beyond conventional portraiture. Notice the textures he has captured, from the soft, velvety petals of the roses and orchids to the intricate patterns of the lace shawl. The artist has clearly engaged with traditions of technical skill, alongside a desire to represent the beauty of his subject. But beyond this is a deeper issue of labor, and the social context of beauty. Consider the production of these luxury items. The cultivation of roses and orchids, the making of lace: all require human effort, skilled work, and time. By emphasizing the materiality of these objects, Arian draws attention to the social relations that underpin them. It reminds us that what we see as beautiful is often the result of labor, challenging any distinction between the fine arts and the crafts.