Bouquets to Art at the deYoung Museum

Im Chan & Motherwell's "At Five in the Afternoon"

On Friday I visited the de Young Museum here in San Francisco with my friend Amy, and was delighted by their annual "Bouquets to Art" exhibit, which ended today (http://deyoung.famsf.org/deyoung/exhibitions/bouquets-to-art). This is a tribute to the creative synergy that arises when talented floral designers respond to works of art in their collection, and there were many such juxtapositions seen throughout the museum. The flower design seen in the picture to the left was done by Im and Tom Chan of Im Chan Designs in Milpitas.  They are responding to Robert Motherwell's painting from 1950 titled "At Five in the Afternoon". This is a fine painting, and a lovely and unusual arrangement. The graceful tropical fronds, the erect but spindly calla lilies, the white hydrangeas laid in the simple black tray, and the inspired ceramic vase are a strong complement to the poetry of Motherwell's painting. This is a thoughtful and well attended event, which belies the artificial distinctions made between art and applied design. I am looking forward to visiting next year!

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