In this work, Jennifer Keeler-Milne depicts the Callistemon, also known as the “bottlebrush,” an iconic Australian plant recognized for its flamboyant red flowers shaped like brushes, composed of abundant stamens that create a vibrant and dynamic visual effect. The bright red background of the paper echoes the intense color of the flower, enhancing its brilliance and dramatic presence.

In Australia, the Callistemon symbolizes vitality, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural landscape, where it attracts birds and pollinators. Its flowering generally extends from spring to summer, illuminating the landscape with its fiery hue.

Executed in charcoal on canvas paper, later mounted on canvas, the work reveals the shape of the flowers through black outlines that define their volume and silhouette, giving each stamen its own distinct form. Like a Chinese shadow, the plant’s silhouette emerges through the contrast between the vivid red background and the black charcoal, or retreats from its environment, leaving behind the trace of its absence defined by its contours. The soft, vaporous textures and blurred edges enhance the work’s sensitive and poetic dimension. Jennifer Keeler-Milne thus captures the flamboyant energy and delicacy of the Callistemon, offering a contemporary and poetic celebration of Australian flora.