In the late 19th century, Oscar Wilde, a prominent writer and flamboyant dandy, sparked a trend in London by wearing a green carnation dyed with arsenic. This unconventional choice of boutonniere raised questions about its symbolic meaning in a time when floriology, the language of flowers, was popular in Victorian England. The green carnation became associated with Wilde’s queer sexuality, leading to his downfall when a novel titled “The Green Carnation” was used as evidence in his trial for “gross indecency.”
Inspired by this historical phenomenon, Canadian artist Kris Knight explores the themes of Victorian culture, queer identity, and the symbolism of flowers in his latest body of work. Through oil pastels, Knight creates intimate portraits paired with floral still lifes, drawing on his fascination with the repressed yet romantically poetic era of the 19th century.
Knight’s process involves inviting friends and fellow creatives to his studio for conversations that inform his artworks. He delves into their childhoods and experiences of coming out, capturing their vulnerabilities and innermost emotions on canvas. In his series “Green Carnation,” Knight pays tribute to his first boyfriend, James, who passed away, by portraying him alongside large blue hibiscus flowers, symbolizing fleeting beauty and hidden desires.
Growing up in rural Canada, Knight found solace in nature, which heavily influences his art. He incorporates a soft color palette and touches of blue to convey his own melancholic joy and introspective moments. Through his portraits, Knight aims to capture the nuances of queer identity and the complexity of human emotions, using flowers as metaphors for personal traits and desires.
“Green Carnation” is currently on display at GAVLAK in West Palm Beach, featuring Knight’s evocative portraits and floral still lifes. His work reflects a deep exploration of Victorian sensibilities, queer symbolism, and the intersection of personal storytelling with historical themes. Through his art, Knight invites viewers to contemplate the hidden meanings behind flowers, colors, and emotions, resonating with the legacy of Oscar Wilde and the enduring symbolism of the green carnation.
