Anna Congedo
The sunflower has appeared in art for centuries, but in Anna Congedo’s work it takes on an entirely different function:
it becomes a solar archetype — a guardian, a witness, and a vessel of inner power.
This painting is part of the artist’s “Initiation Cycle,” created during a period of personal transformation.
The sunflower is rendered with bold, luminous strokes that radiate outward like a burst of stored light, echoing both folk tradition and contemporary intuition.
Unlike botanical realism, this sunflower does not simply grow from the earth —
it stands, almost confronts, and declares itself.
It embodies a moment when a person rediscovers their center after a long journey through fragmentation and silence.
The dark background highlights the tension between shadow and illumination, reminding us that light becomes visible only when contrasted with the unknown.
The bright, textured petals carry the energy of emergence — not fragile, but forceful, as if pushing through layers of time.
This is not a flower.
This is an ascent.
A symbol of the Self taking shape.
A quiet but undeniable act of sovereignty.
In many cultures, the sunflower turns toward the sun.
Here, it becomes the sun.
This painting was first publicly exhibited at the Exhibition “Ukraine. War. Resilience” on 26-29 August 2025, Europa House Kosova, Prishtina
Second public appearance was on 1st October at Suzanne X Arts: She creates - We share Exhibition, Prishtina