[title not known] c. 1933 - 1938

Curator: This stunning black and white photograph, of unknown title, is by the Sri Lankan photographer Lionel Wendt. Editor: It’s quite striking, almost ghostly. The branches and clusters of flowers are thrown into sharp relief against a very dark background. Curator: Wendt was deeply involved in the European modernist movements. You see a strong Pictorialist influence in his approach to photographic printing, which elevated photography as an art form. Editor: Definitely. I am struck by the way the floral subject matter is so tied to identity and colonialism, Wendt’s work often acts as a dialogue between the East and West. Curator: Wendt embraced darkroom manipulation, experimenting with toning and printing techniques to achieve his desired artistic effect. Editor: His background, his social standing, it all plays into the work, reflecting a complex interplay of cultural forces. Curator: The formal elements speak clearly of the artist's engagement with materials and processes. Editor: Agreed. There's so much to read in this image, a fascinating interplay of art and the world.