“Flores secas,” created by Oswaldo Guayasamin in 1994, represents an exquisite example of Expressionism within the genre of flower painting. The artwork, also bearing the hallmarks of Guayasamin’s unique style, seamlessly captures a poignant aesthetic typical of the Expressionist movement.
The artwork depicts a bouquet of dried flowers arranged in a vase. Dominated by hues of blue and gray, the image portrays withered leaves and sporadic bursts of orange and red flowers, producing a stark contrast. The composition, set against a solid blue background, emphasizes the textures and shapes of the desiccated flora, invoking a sense of melancholic beauty. The vase is rendered in an understated yet stately manner, grounding the fragile and ethereal quality of the flowers it holds. The overall effect is one of haunting elegance, a testament to Guayasamin’s mastery in conveying deep emotional resonance through his brushwork.
