J. Steven Manolis (b. 1948-)
Flamingo, 2019
Acrylic on Canvas
60 x 120 inches
Nature is “God’s art,” according J. Steven Manolis. Manolis’ nature abstractions are his exploration of his relationship with nature and man's relationship with nature. He also uses his Nature abstractions as a warning to man about climate change and protecting nature.
The flamingo have been severely affected by climate change. The early Audubon paintings of the flamingo show a much more vibrant pink bird. As pollution and climate change have affected the shrimp which the flamingo eat, its color has changed to a more orange pink color. Manolis points out through his painting, that man has to take care of the earth because the affects of the damage are permanent.
Nature is also about celebrating beauty. Manolis explains, “The combination of pink and orange, supplemented by synergistic colors, are among my favorite fascinations, and thus fair game for my abstract interpretations of beauty: then pink, now orange, coexisting as one creation.”