Inspired by my visit to the Imperial Palace Garden in Tokyo, Japan, I created a series of Lily and gold fish compositions.

Composition I focuses on the goldfish that inhabit the palace ponds.  Koi are symbols of love and affection in Japan, and this positive imagery is echoed in the bold, bright colours and in the fan shapes that are used in the composition, which also represent friendship, respect and good wishes.  The fish swim freely in the heavenly banner of light that runs across the centre of the work.

Composition I 2006                                    Oil on canvas 100 x 90cm

Click to see more paintings from Reflections on Asia Exhibition