'Stairs'
Linocut Print 100x70cm, 2024, limited editions of 50.
'Stairs' are the second print inspired by gorgeous Palm House in Kew Gardens in London. Amazing Victorian conservatory and plenty of gorgeous plants made very strong inspiration for me!
I was focusing on details and a few scenes of drawing. The lino block has been designed as one layer and one colour print. I use high contrast between the pillar as the main part of the building in the middle and dark plants in the bottom. Dark and lights are surrounding by themselves, cooperating together showing the depth of the scene.
The artwork depicts an ornate spiral staircase nestled within a lush, densely packed botanical setting, inspired by the Victorian-style architecture and plant life found in structures of the Palm House at Kew Gardens in London.
The spiral staircase, with its decorative wrought iron patterns, acts as the central focal point. Its filigree-like embellishments contrast sharply with the organic forms surrounding it. The environment is teeming with overlapping tropical plants, including large palm fronds and trailing vines, creating a layered and immersive jungle-like atmosphere. The curved lines of the staircase and the arches suggest depth, drawing the viewer into the scene and creating a sense of exploration. The artist employs a rich interplay of black and white to suggest dappled light filtering through the canopy of leaves, adding dimension and vibrancy.
The spiral staircase, with its decorative wrought iron patterns, acts as the central focal point. Its filigree-like embellishments contrast sharply with the organic forms surrounding it. The environment is teeming with overlapping tropical plants, including large palm fronds and trailing vines, creating a layered and immersive jungle-like atmosphere. The curved lines of the staircase and the arches suggest depth, drawing the viewer into the scene and creating a sense of exploration. The artist employs a rich interplay of black and white to suggest dappled light filtering through the canopy of leaves, adding dimension and vibrancy.
Style and Techniques
The piece showcases masterful linocut craftsmanship. Kubish’s use of detailed carving captures the interplay of nature and man-made structures, emphasizing the tension between order and the wild. The print is reminiscent of 19th-century botanical engravings and Art Nouveau influences, blending decorative art with an appreciation for the natural world.
Interpretation
The artwork may explore themes of coexistence between humanity and nature, highlighting how Victorian industrial advancements, such as elaborate ironwork, coexisted with an obsession for cataloging and containing exotic plants. The dense foliage and ornate staircase evoke a sense of nostalgia, inviting viewers to reflect on the relationship between human ingenuity and the sublime beauty of the natural environment.
