Naupaka (Front) 2008

Editor: This photograph, “Naupaka (Front)” by Susan Middleton, taken in 2008, presents such an intimate portrait of a single flower. The details are incredible. It’s almost like a botanical study, but with a very dreamy quality. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, this photograph raises interesting questions about how we value and represent nature in the 21st century. The Naupaka flower is native to Hawaii, so its very selection speaks to issues of place, and the specific environment of Hawaii, and, also, possibly, about environmental concerns there, right? How do we depict plants now? Are they simply objects of beauty, or are they active participants in a larger, and threatened, ecological system? Editor: That’s a great point. I hadn't really thought about it beyond the pure aesthetics. Do you think Middleton is trying to make a political statement then? Curator: I wouldn’t necessarily say "political", but it prompts questions about how institutions, like museums, choose to display images of nature. Is it to promote conservation? To educate? To simply provide an aesthetic experience? Middleton's work, I believe, transcends simple representation; it pushes the viewer to consider the broader cultural and environmental narratives associated with this particular plant, how images have affected their place in society and in nature, too. Editor: I see, so it's less about overt activism and more about prompting a deeper engagement with the subject and its context. I guess it goes to show how much richer a simple flower photo can be. Curator: Precisely! The public role of art isn't always about delivering easy answers but facilitating important conversations. Editor: That’s definitely given me a new way of looking at things. Thanks so much!