In Yellow Lilies and Three Pears, Alvi Siren arranges a tall bouquet of lilies above three pieces of fruit resting on a warm wooden surface. The strong vertical composition is balanced between the flowers’ upward expansion and the pears gathered closely around the base of the vase.
Pale yellow lilies open in different directions, their curved petals defined by touches of cream, ochre, and green. Dark burgundy stamens punctuate the centre of each flower, while two unopened buds extend towards the upper corners, suggesting the bouquet continuing to unfold.
Long green leaves and slender stems sweep outward and downward, creating a lively network of curves beneath the flowers. Their deep emerald and blue-green contours provide a strong contrast with the lilies and connect the bouquet visually to the transparent glass vase.
The vase is constructed from layered passages of green, turquoise, burgundy, pink, and white. Reflections and visible stems animate the glass, while its narrow form reinforces the composition’s vertical movement. At its base, three yellow-green pears introduce rounded shapes and a sense of weight against the broadly painted tabletop.
Yellow Lilies and Three Pears combines floral elegance with the simplicity of an everyday still life. Through softened forms, expressive contours, and the contrast between pale flowers, green foliage, luminous glass, and warm wood, Alvi creates a balanced composition shaped by growth, colour, and quiet abundance.
Year: 2001
Medium: Oil on canvas
Location: Held in private collection
ID 081
