The Architecture of Remembrance

Merit Winner in the Category Watercolour in the CAA Artist of the Year Award 2026. 

This watercolour mandala uses the fluid energy of paint and the precision of geometry to explore the depths of personal reflection by centring the composition on the poppy — a historical symbol of remembrance and peace. The artwork serves as a visual anchor for inward focus. The circular flow of the mandala creates a meditative pathway, guiding the viewers’ eyes from the intricate details of the outer petals toward the quiet core.

Watercolour was chosen intentionally for its unpredictable and transparent nature, mirroring the fluid, shifting qualities of human memory and emotion. Vibrant crimson and scarlet hues demand attention, rejecting the traditional melancholy of remembrance to celebrate the vitality of resilience. The rich pigments capture a living warmth, illustrating how deep reflection can transform past hardships into a powerful blooming present.

Designed for competitive exhibition, this work balances technical precision with raw emotional resonance. It challenges the observer to look past the surface layer of colour, engaging instead with the structural harmony and fluid boundaries that define our internal landscapes.