Still Life. Orchids and Leaves 1949

This is Rita Angus’s ‘Still Life. Orchids and Leaves,’ a watercolor that captures a moment of quiet observation. Angus, a significant figure in New Zealand art, often infused her works with a deep sense of place and identity. In this still life, we see more than just a collection of plants in a vase. The orchids, not native to New Zealand, hint at the country’s colonial past and the introduction of foreign elements into the landscape. The leaves with their vibrant autumn colors, are perhaps a nod to the unique flora of New Zealand. Angus had a lifelong dedication to representing New Zealand, she once stated a need to, ‘see objectively and truthfully, to strip away the veil of association and see things as they really are.’ The choice of watercolor, with its delicate and translucent qualities, adds to the painting's intimacy. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between nature, culture, and personal identity, revealing a nuanced perspective on New Zealand's evolving cultural landscape.