Fritillaries 1972

Editor: This is Mary Fedden's "Fritillaries," currently held at the Tate. It's a print of a still life, but with a surreal twist. What do you make of the symbols and composition here? Curator: The still life evokes a symbolic language through the ages. A red orb—sun or moon—watches over the scene, while the fritillaries might suggest transience. The checkerboard pattern on the blooms, what could that evoke? Editor: Perhaps the fragility and instability of life? Curator: Precisely! Fedden uses recognizable imagery to tap into deeper cultural associations. The butterfly, too, could represent transformation. How do these symbols resonate with you? Editor: It’s fascinating how everyday objects can hold so much cultural memory. Curator: Agreed. Fedden masterfully weaves personal expression with universal symbolism.