Berenjenas. From The Bodegones series, 2021

Dora Franco  

Other sizes: Large: 69.6 x 109.2 cm. Edition of 6, and Medium: 51 x 80 cm. Edition of 6

This artwork masterfully captures the essence of a still life arrangement featuring five gleaming eggplants placed in a metallic colander. The dark, velvety purple of the eggplants contrasts sharply with the metallic sheen of the colander, creating a visual tension that draws the viewer’s eye. The background is a rich, deep black, enhancing the vibrancy of the eggplants and adding depth to the composition. The lighting is expertly rendered, casting subtle shadows that enhance the three-dimensional quality of the objects. Each eggplant is distinct, showcasing the artist’s attention to texture and form. The artwork exudes a sense of elegance and simplicity, celebrating the beauty in everyday objects. This piece is not just a still life; it is a study in contrast and composition, inviting the viewer to appreciate the interplay of light, shadow, and color.

The bodegones are a pictorial interpretation based on a research project of the famous chef Juan Carlos Franco, on old food recipes of different periods in history. The photographer recreated the images inspired by paintings and images from these eras, also finding inspiration from artists such as Leonardo DA Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, and others.