Sailing and transparency by Bianca ter Riet

About "Sailing and transparency"

by Bianca ter Riet

About the artwork

In this picture-rich composition, an enchanting play between light and leaf unfolds, highlighting the fine textures of a fern leaf like a natural mosaic against the soft daylight. The fern, one of the oldest plant species on earth, takes centre stage here as a living work of art - a reminder of nature's primal power and refinement.

Each individual leaf - a pinna in botanical terms - is carefully arranged along the central veins of the leaf. This rhythmic repetition creates an almost mathematical precision reminiscent of a hand-laid mosaic composed of thousands of shades of green. The fern exudes not only visual harmony but also a deep-rooted connection to the natural world in which it grows.

The incident sunlight filters through the leaves and reveals the fine grain structure, creating a layered play of light and shadow. This interplay emphasises the delicate transparency of the fern leaf and invites the viewer to stillness. The leaf structure appears almost architectural: lightweight but strong, complex but uncluttered - a marvel of evolutionary design.

The fern here embodies more than just floral decor; it symbolises the cyclical nature of nature, constant growth and the subtle balance between strength and fragility. This botanical mosaic is not a still image, but a living rhythm - always in motion, responding to wind, light and season.

An ode to the fern, and to the quiet, unobtrusive beauty that exists all around us if only we have an eye for it.