For centuries, the French language, or “La lingua Franca,” was utilized as the language of the elite. Each letter of its alphabet is extended in the delicate petals of the iris, a flower symbolic of France, the Fleur-de-lis. This painting explores some of the French culture’s most revered culinary tastes and traditions. The glasses in the center are to underline the importance of formality to use proper glasses for each drink. The grape in the plate is arranged in the shape of the map of France. The frog and escargot are hidden in the flower branches. The vase is painted in the shape of woman torso to reference the famous flowery perfumes of the French women.
© 2008, acrylic on canvas, 36” x 60” (91.5cm x 152.5cm)