
Painted by Katy Kianush, Copyright © 1996
Description
Katy’s “Ophelia” is a radiant celebration of Shakespeare’s tragic heroine, rendered in a vivid, stained-glass-like style that imbues the scene with both melancholy and luminescence. The painting captures Ophelia in her final moments of lament, her delicate form adorned in a flowing, azure gown that shimmers with the iridescent quality of mixed media. Her long, chestnut hair, adorned with an intricate crown of wildflowers, cascades down her shoulders, framing her serene yet sorrowful expression. Surrounding her are lush blooms of poppies, lilies, and irises, each flower a symbolic representation of innocence, death, and sorrow. The water lilies floating on the pond’s surface add a sense of tranquillity and fragility to the scene, echoing Ophelia’s delicate state. The intertwined branches of the willow tree behind her, form an arch that encapsulates her, suggesting both protection and entrapment. The vibrant colours and intricate details make the painting a luminous homage to Ophelia’s poignant beauty and tragic fate.
Key Facts
Title
Artist
Date
Medium
Framed Size
Ophelia
Katy Kianush
1996
Mixed Media
44.5cm H by 34cm W
Copyright shall at all times remain vested in the Artist. No part of the work shall be used, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the Artist’s express written consent
