These unique mixed media artworks explore the importance of healthy pollinator populations to maintain healthy ecosystems, and our interdependence upon these species to produce the fruits and vegetables we need to thrive.
Temptations of the Kampong: Avocados I (3 panel triptych)
Temptations of the Kampong: Avocados I (3 panel triptych)
Imagine walking into the Kampong Botanical Garden in Miami's warm, humid air and stopping in amazement at the abundance of tropical fruits surrounding you. Can you imagine the sound of birds calling and leaves rustling as water flows nearby while the scent of ripe fruit, flowers, and rich earth fills the air? Picture standing beneath trees heavy with round, emerald green avocados in multiple varieties, feeling the overwhelming desire to harvest, taste, and possess this tropical abundance. You read the garden signage and realize that this garden exists because one visionary agent traveled the world procuring seeds and plants that would change what Americans eat. That is what inspired Ivana to create this artwork. The three aluminum panels flow together to create one larger scene of emerald green avocados against golden metallic pigments that shimmer and shift as light moves across the surface throughout the day. The gold treatment on the panels honors both the preciousness of these fruits and the invaluable legacy of seed procurement that brought tropical abundance to our tables. This unique triptych expresses the temptation of harvest and the treasure of food diversity that sustains and delights us.
Envision this luminous triptych in your dining room or kitchen, where the golden shimmer and tropical abundance spark conversations about heirloom varieties and the origins of foods we love. Guests who appreciate fine food ask about the Kampong and share their own passion for avocados or interest in botanical gardens and seed saving. The piece connects to that universal delight in abundant harvest and the recognition that food diversity is precious and worth protecting. This artwork celebrates the temptation of tropical abundance and the visionary work that expanded our culinary horizons.
“For two months I had the privilege of a residency in Miami at the Art Center South Florida. One of the staff at the art center who was familiar with my Sustain series recommended that I visit the Kampong Botanical Garden because this is a garden full of tropical fruits. It used to be the home and estate of the first USDA tropical seed procurement agent. He would travel abroad and bring back food producing plants and seeds to trial on his Florida estate. It is due to his work that Americans came to enjoy many tropical foods. I was very inspired by what I saw on my first visit and made a connection with the director. He allowed me to come back repeatedly at no charge to photograph there during my artist residency. During this time I took a lot of photographs inspired by the fruits in the garden, including the photographs for this artwork “Temptations of the Kampong: Avocados I.” Many varieties of avocados were trialed and are still growing at the Kampong. Seeing their abundance inspired me to make this multi-panel artwork depicting my desire to harvest and enjoy them. I applied golden metallic pigments to three aluminum panels and used these images to create photo transfers on the panels. ”
This one of a kind three panel triptych combines hand-applied golden metallic pigments on aluminum with photographic transfers created during an artist residency at Art Center South Florida. Each panel was coated with acrylic paint mixed with gold pigment, then the Epson archival pigment ink prints were transferred to the surface and then they were coated with archival UV protective varnish to preserve the metallic shimmer and emerald green imagery for generations. Only this single triptych exists, making it an exclusive opportunity to own a substantial statement piece that honors both artistic innovation and agricultural heritage. The golden pigments create shifting visual experiences depending on viewing angle and lighting conditions throughout the day. The watermark visible online does not appear on the actual artwork. This piece is created with sustainable reclaimed aluminum panels, aligning with your values of environmental stewardship. If you need help envisioning how it will look, a free digital mockup is available so you can see exactly how it will appear in your space before adding it to your collection. Contact Ivana for this service.Then I finished the panels with an ultraviolet blocking spray so they can be viewed without glass.
The artwork has a subtlegolden sparkle and the aluminum reflects the light with a shimmering soft texture. This is a one of a kind handmade 20" x 48" (plus frames) artwork on 3 aluminum panels with mixed media and digital image transfer using archival pigment inks.Artwork is finished with a UV light protective coating so that they can be displayed without glass, and it is signed in verso. It comes with the frames shown.
