Single Rose

Close up of Single Rose

"Color photograph of an object that looks like a stemless rose. Its petals are open and its pink color deepens along its slightly curled edges. The outermost petal peels away from the flower, its edges torn. The object sits on a pink background and casts a subtle shadow. "
"Color photograph of an object that looks like a stemless rose. Its petals are open and its pink color deepens along its slightly curled edges. The outermost petal peels away from the flower, its edges torn. The object sits on a pink background and casts a subtle shadow. "
Sharon Core, Single Rose, 1997; Chromogenic color print, 14 x 13 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Gift of Heather and Tony Podesta Collection; © Sharon Core, Courtesy of the Artist and Yancey Richardson Gallery; Photo by Lee Stalsworth

Single Rose’s small size and subtle detail invite close looking. Spiraling petals draw the viewer’s eye around the image to highlight the variation of color and texture between the pink background and the darker hues of the flower. To create this rose-shaped object, Sharon Core used what are purportedly pigs’ ears to mimic petals. While this photograph comprises a single faux bloom, Core’s oeuvre also includes actual flowers in larger still-life compositions.

Typical of her process, Core dedicated time and energy to providing the subject matter for this photograph. From supermarket visits to sculpting her non-traditional material into the perfect rose, she thought through each aspect before picking up her camera. She also had to fight against “wilting” and decomposition to capture her final image.

Artwork Details

  • Artist

    Sharon Core
  • Title

    Single Rose
  • Date

    1997
  • Medium

    Chromogenic color print
  • Dimensions

    14 x 13 in.
  • Donor Credit

    Gift of the Heather and Tony Podesta Collection
  • Photo Credit

    © Sharon Core, Courtesy of the Artist and Yancey Richardson Gallery; Photo by Lee Stalsworth
  • On Display

    No