One Dozen Roses

Introduction

One Dozen Roses
Emily Au & Taylor Elliott

One Dozen Roses is an exaggerated collaborative representation of our romantic relationship, referencing our favourite places, foods, and things we've done together over the years. We took specific and everyday examples of our lives together and combined them with elements of Rococo imagery, patterning, themes of indulgence, and parodying The Swing by Jean-Honoré Fragonard, replacing the original figures with our favourite animals. Acting as a theatrical backdrop to the sculptures, the painting provides a fusion of both of our disciplines to the exhibition.

The references to high art are contrasted by the cute, childlike doodles and messy scrawling drawings. The lightly abstracted shapes of the sculptures are exploring specific items we enjoy together, such as ice cream and donuts, and others are softer, rounder, more fully abstracted shapes, inspired by nests of animals. In this way, all shapes return back to themes of the familial, telling a love story that is both domestic and dramatic.

Through this collaboration, we embarked on a process that called for our joint efforts, often working side by side. By working on this project together, we strengthened our sense of teamwork, harmonizing and showcasing the colourful and playful sides of our relationship.

7-Up flavored ice cream, monkeys on vacation, purple devil emojis, Beyond Meat burgers, or a cocktail from our anniversary, each work is decorated with inside jokes and precious experiences. This project is a declaration of sweetness and domesticity; a promise of warmth and devotion.