Afternoon Tea in the Conservatory Art Print

In this art print, I wanted to illustrate the romance of abundant flourishing. A sunlit conservatory displays lush greenery. At the centre of the room is an elegantly set table with tea and desserts. The chandelier, the grand architecture, and the wrought-iron garden chairs allude to early or mid 19th century France.

From an economic perspective, abundance is linked to wealth. In hierarchal societies, wealth is linked to privileged indulgence and social injustices. From the perspective of Marxism, the bourgeousie were the villains of a social class struggle. Through history and an unforgiving social polemic of wealth distribution, abundance-mentality became the baby that was thrown out of with the bath water. What is left is a collective subconscious guilt for having more than others.

From a historical standpoint, the owners of this conservatory must be very wealthy. But who really is the owner? As the artist, I am the owner of this conservatory, but am I wealthy? The answer can only be relative. However, anyone who can indulge in the beauty of sunlight, the miracle of plants growing, and the sweetness of desserts must already be abundant.