PETER D. GERAKARIS

Orchid Oculus Tondo
by Peter D. Gerakaris

Inspired by exotic, firsthand encounters with endangered species of flora and fauna on the semi-tropical island of St. Lucia, the artist has sought to channel these vibrant experiences through “Orchid Oculus Tondo”. Meticulously painted details are layered in response to an initial color-wash background generated by a chance process of spills, splatters, and acrylic dyes — an approach evoking a sort of "visual jazz”. 

Endangered St. Lucia Parrots (aka the “Amazona Versicolor”) inhabit this whimsical environment, adding intrigue with their fantastical plumage and enigmatic gazes. Meanwhile, specific flowers and botanicals emerge from organic entanglement  — forms the artist has observed both in the wild and in his studio where he cultivates tropical plants. The central orchids — many of which face extinction in the Amazon — include the Oncidium “Sharry Baby” and Cattleya, while Heliconias sensuously frame our perspective through this luminous oculus.

View painting process clip on Instagram