Born in India, Ithell Colquhoun (1906-1988) was a British artist, writer and occultist, associated with the Surrealist movement. In 1931, Colquhoun travelled to Paris where she was inspired by the work of the Surrealists, particularly Salvador Dalí. This painting is one of a series of flower paintings she made, beginning in 1932. A meticulous botanical study, ‘Orchids’ combines the intense naturalism of Dalí’s work, with the Colquhoun’s interest in the erotic and magical potential of flowers. She formally joined the British Surrealist group in 1939 but left one year later due to the ultimatum given to the group by the artist and gallerist E.L.T. Mesens, that members have no association with other organisations. Colquhoun chose to continue her relationship with occult groups. She would continue to write and make art inspired by both Surrealism and esotericism until her death.
