This monumental color photographic composition highlights a captivating interplay between organic vitality and refined stillness. Shot in Antwerp in 2012 for Michael James O'Brien's acclaimed Opalina Series, the artwork centers on a fluted pink opaline glass vase overflowing with reaching tulips in vivid hues of crimson, orange, and deep purple. Resting beside the vase on a rustic wooden pedestal are worn leather garden gloves and stacked ceramic saucers. The simplicity of the dark backdrop accentuates the brilliant subtleties of the floral stems, creating a poised tension between natural decay, artifice, and geometric design. Produced as a large-scale archival pigment print on Hahnemühle fine art paper (80 x 60 inches) in an ultra-rare edition of 3 plus 1 artist proof, this piece represents a commanding statement for high-end contemporary art collections.
O'brien's staged photographs masterfully balance organic forms with the geometric structure of books, vases, and other objects. The simplicity of the setting highlights the vibrant subtleties of the flowers, creating an appealing tension. These still life compositions invite the viewer to explore themes of balance and contrast through a delicate yet powerful presentation.
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Color Photography - Still life with Tulips, Garden Gloves by Michael O'Brien
Still life with Tulips, Garden Gloves, and a Fluted Opalina Vase, Antwerp, 2012
From Opalina Series
Archival Pigment prints
Printed on Hahnemuhle fine art paper
Dimensions: 80 H x 60 W in.
Edition of 3 + 1APUnframed
Michael James O’Brien is a multifaceted artist based in Atlanta, GA, known for his work as a photographer, teacher, curator, poet, and activist. He has held solo exhibitions in major cities worldwide, including New York, Paris, Beijing, and Istanbul. His photography is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s permanent collection in London and has been featured in esteemed publications such as Rolling Stone, Vogue UK, The New Yorker, and The Guardian. O'Brien authored Girlfriend; Men, Women, and Drag, published by Random House, and contributed to Matthew Barney’s Drawing Restraint 7 and Cremaster series. A dedicated activist, he has been involved with ACTUP and various HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns, including the Love Ball and Live Positive Campaign. Currently, he serves as the Chair of Photography at the Savannah College of Art and Design and chairs the Advisory Council of Atlanta Celebrates Photography.
