In the late 19th century, Oscar Wilde sparked a cultural phenomenon by wearing a green carnation, which became a subtle symbol for queer sexuality. This act of defiance against societal norms, rooted in the Victorian era's elaborate language of flowers, provided a clandestine means for individuals to express their hidden desires. The green carnation, in particular, resonated deeply within the queer community, evolving into an emblem of shared identity and unspoken understanding during a period of intense social repression.
Canadian artist Kris Knight explores this historical context in his latest series, creating a compelling dialogue between art and personal narratives. His oil pastel works feature tender portraits juxtaposed with floral still lifes, each bloom carefully chosen to reflect the subject's inner world and experiences. Knight's artistic process involves engaging in meaningful conversations with his sitters, often delving into their childhood memories and journeys of self-acceptance. By integrating these intimate stories with botanical metaphors, he not only pays homage to the Victorian practice of floriography but also offers a contemporary reinterpretation of its symbolic power for queer expression.
Knight’s personal history also imbues his creations with a profound sense of introspection. Growing up amidst nature in rural Canada, he cultivated an early fascination with flowers, which now serve as potent symbols of melancholy, joy, and the longing for solitude in his art. The recurring use of blue hues in his paintings further amplifies these emotional undertones, weaving together his own storytelling with broader themes of queer identity and resilience. This collection, 'Green Carnation', invites viewers to contemplate the enduring significance of coded expressions and the beauty found in embracing one's true self, currently on display at GAVLAK in West Palm Beach.