Irises 

Editor: Here we have “Irises,” an oil painting by Louay Kayyali. The irises are these beautiful pale yellow shades, and I’m immediately struck by the somewhat somber mood created by the dark background. How do you interpret this work? Curator: The irises themselves are potent symbols, deeply rooted in various cultures. In some, they represent hope and faith. Their sword-like leaves have, over time, alluded to both royalty and sorrow, haven't they? What draws you to their pale colour against the darkness? Editor: It’s a strong contrast! It feels like a fragile light pushing through the shadows. Is it the contrast that speaks to you the most? Curator: Beyond the contrast, consider the vase, this simple container against the burst of organic forms. It reminds me of the enduring human impulse to contain and order nature. Do you find any symbolism in the vase? Editor: Hmm, I guess I see it as a sort of support, grounding the fleeting beauty of the irises. Is that a common theme in flower paintings? Curator: Absolutely. Still lifes of flowers often meditate on life and death, the ephemeral nature of beauty. How do the shadows and light interact, and what memories or cultural knowledge might that invoke for a viewer? Editor: That's interesting. I was just seeing a pretty flower arrangement. Curator: And that’s perfectly valid! Art’s power lies in its ability to spark diverse interpretations, weaving our own experiences into the visual narrative. It allows the viewers to activate those symbols into cultural and personal memories. Editor: It really shifts how I see the painting now! There's so much more to unpack than I initially thought.