It’s not surprising that there are two sets of lush arrangements in Mason Pott’s Chicago studio. Photographing live bouquets of bright sunflowers, daisies, and waxy apples or magenta orchids at their peak is the first step in the artist’s layered process. Post photoshoot, he translates these floral bunches into hyperrealistic paintings, with particular care in accurately capturing their textures and the interplay of light and shadow.
Pott is known for his impeccable attention to detail, painting large-scale works in oil that immerse the viewer in fields of foliage. He often creates moody still lifes that approach such classic, timeless subject matter through a contemporary lens. In keeping with that mode of working, his latest series moves from the canvas to custom-cut aluminum panels, which trace the organic edges of each arrangement. The depth and diversity of the source matter appear to pop from Pott’s compositions as he tenderly defines each leaf and petal.
If you’re in Miami, Pott’s work is on view with VSG Contemporary at NADA through December 6. Find more from the artist on Instagram.
