Vivian Thierfelder – Split Decision, De Vivian Thierfelder

The composition presents a striking juxtaposition of floral abundance and photographic portraiture, rendered in a palette dominated by deep reds, blacks, and touches of orange and blue. Here we see a dense arrangement of tropical flowers – hibiscus, lilies, and other blooms – emerging from the darkness, their vibrant colors intensified against the surrounding black background. The flowers are not depicted with botanical accuracy; rather, they appear stylized and somewhat flattened, contributing to an overall sense of artificiality.
A blue vase, centrally positioned, serves as a focal point within the floral display. Within the vases reflective surface, and partially obscured by the blooms, is a black-and-white photograph. The image captured appears to be a formal portrait – a man in a suit stands beside a woman in what seems to be an evening gown. Their expressions are unreadable, their poses stiff and conventional.
The integration of photography within the painting introduces layers of complexity. The photographic element suggests a commentary on representation itself; the artist is not simply depicting reality but layering images upon one another, questioning the nature of authenticity and perception. The contrast between the vibrant, almost overwhelming floral display and the muted, formal portrait creates a tension that speaks to themes of artificiality versus tradition, exuberance versus restraint.
The darkness surrounding the composition contributes to an atmosphere of mystery and confinement. It isolates the central elements – the flowers and the photograph – drawing attention to their interplay while simultaneously suggesting a sense of hidden narratives or suppressed emotions. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty, where familiar forms are distorted and recontextualized to create a visually arresting and conceptually provocative work.