Sea Grapes I
Acrylic on canvas
20 x 47 in

The painting is a representation of caulerpa lentillifera, edible grape-like seaweed commonly known as sea grapes or green caviar. The artist choice of the subject is of course unabashedly sentimental having produced the successful vineyard collection from the L’Automne series.

In this painting, the brightly painted sea grapes are the centre of attraction of the composition, floating weightlessly against the vast shining blue ocean background, hence, the predominant iridescent blue background. Though the plant is green, the grapes are deliberately painted in orange and green with gold highlights to give the plant character and symbolises the vibrant potential of the plant. The curvilinear stalks give a sense of harmonious movements through out the painting and bring equilibrium to the grapes. The pattern of the grapes at different intervals gives a feel of rhythm and dynamism. The intensity of the blue colour enhanced by the touches of orange hue is a symbol of the uniqueness of this plant which is known to have medicinal properties.