Irina Nazarova
The Flower of the Fern
June 9 - July 23
Exhibition launch Friday June 9 at 6-8pm
Guest opening speaker Sarah Feijen - CEO Guildhouse
In Estonia, where I was born and lived most of my life we have a beautiful well treasured traditional holiday, called Jaanipaev, celebrated on the summer solstice. The cities become empty whilst people camp in the forests or by lakes, lightning thousands of bonfires throughout the country. We celebrate the beginning of summer by jumping over the campfires, but most importantly we look for The Flower of the Fern.
There is a myth, that only once a year, on the night of 23rd of June, the Flower of Fern blooms in the forest for a very short period of time. The flower will bring fortune and happiness to the person who finds it. I remember, as a child going to the forest with my family and friends in the night looking for a flower and how intrigued and happy I felt.
The duration of my exhibition coincides with this magical celebration and so I take it as a sign to call my second solo exhibition at Hahndorf Academy 'The Flower of the Fern'.
I adore the mystery of the darkness of the night, the freshness of the forests and uniqueness of the flowers. Through my latest artworks I explore the nature of flowers, the feelings they give you, the comfort and beauty, against backdrops of darkness and light.
Living in Australia for quite some time, I unavoidably fell in love with Australian flora, however the simplicity and tenderness of European flowers are deeply rooted in my heart. I depict a collection of Australian indigenous flowers and plants that I find incredible and fascinating, along with the European flowers that I grew up with. Spring forest grounds covered with the carpet of tiny Forget-Me-Nots, the smell of Lilies of the Valley, endless handpicked bouquets of Daisies, Bluebells, Lillac and Mock Orange, all these are tender memories of my childhood.
I present a body of artworks that unites two worlds, magical and real. I dream up and create new flowers, play with the colours and shapes of the artwork. I find inspiration in the little things, walking in nature with my family, finding intriguing looking flowers and plants.
I am one of many who is trying to find the magical 'Flower of the Fern', sometimes I feel I am the one who is attempting to create it.