'Fiery Resilience': an abstract mixed-media floral piece featuring a red poppy by Dirk van der Ven

First drawn, then damaged, and now brought back to life: a powerful symbol of falling and rising again.

Here, the iconic poppy sheds its ephemeral nature and reveals its true, indestructible essence. During its creation, the original work was severely damaged. It was precisely this fracture that presented an artistic opportunity: using modern techniques, the composition was restored and breathed new life into. The work gets straight to the point and draws the viewer into the fiery depths of the petal. The visible cracks remain as scars, each telling its own story.

It radiates a zest for life. From the glowing, white centre, vivid shades of fuchsia flow into a deep crimson, bearing the texture of powerful brushstrokes. The light pulses from within, bringing the frayed, graphic edges of the torn paper to life. In the background, a delicate network of craquelure creates a beautiful, weathered contrast. The tactile layers of paint and paper thus lend the work a truly three-dimensional effect.

The organic, flowing forms bring a powerful and healing dynamic to the space. This work is ideally suited to an environment where recovery, perseverance or a fresh start are central themes. The powerful red acts as a daily source of energy for a home that is blossoming again after a turbulent period, but is equally compelling in a rehabilitation centre, practice or reception area where resilience sets the tone.