The Colour Purple . . . by Dawn LeBlanc
The colour purple has many and varied connotations–envy, sensuality, spirituality, creativity, wealth, royalty, nobility, wisdom and enlightenment amongst them. It was the favorite colour of Cleopatra in life, but it is the colour of mourning in Thailand. Like the colour purple, tulips are also symbols of vanity, arrogance and wealth. But it is the tulip’s association with spring that has lasting meaning among ordinary folk, and for them the tulip has come to exemplify life after death.
We often don’t think to photograph the things that are no longer perfect–the things that are marred, misshapen, or at the end of their life. But often these can be the very objects that hold the most visual interest and tell their stories in the boldest of terms. It seemed to me that this purple tulip told a strong story borne of its own demise. It is a tale of life after death–of a cold and regal beauty ironically fabricated out of decline.
Woe! as Neo would say. Simply amazing. Great detail on those petal and stamen. The feeling it gives of wanting to go hide in the dark. That purple is so alive. I don’t know what to say other than great work.
Thank you very much Dave! regards, dawn