Red water lilies 2016

Alfred Freddy Krupa made this painting, Red Water Lilies, in his characteristic expressive style. Notice how the water lilies, rendered in a vibrant red, float upon the water’s surface. These aren’t merely decorative; they are potent symbols of life, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of existence. Water lilies have long held significance across cultures. In ancient Egypt, they were associated with the sun god Ra, emerging each morning to bring light to the world. Similarly, in Buddhist traditions, the lotus—a close relative—symbolizes purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment from the material world. Krupa’s choice of red amplifies these associations, evoking passion, vitality, and the life force itself. Consider how these symbols resonate across time and geography, reappearing in various contexts from religious iconography to modern art. The emotional resonance of these forms, carried within our collective memory, continues to engage viewers on a subconscious level, creating a profound connection between the past and the present. The water lily surfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, ever unfolding in different historical contexts.