This mixed media paper collage by Jeanne M. Connolly features a single Spanish Bougainvillea flower blooming vibrantly against a black and blue mosaic-style background. Constructed from a mix of delicate papers layered with hand-painted fragments, the piece evokes the fluidity of watercolor while offering rich texture and tactile dimension.

The flower is composed of a variety of pinks—ranging from soft blush to deep magenta—each petal cut and layered to reflect the natural vibrancy of Bougainvillea blooms. A warm brown stem grounds the composition, while the leaves are a standout feature: crafted from torn pages of vintage Spanish books, they add literary history and texture. Delicate shapes in pale green and soft yellow are collaged atop the leaves, lending subtle color variation and symbolic depth.

The bold, geometric background—pieced together in tones of black and blue—provides a dramatic contrast to the organic curves of the flower. The interplay between structured mosaic and loose floral form reflects Connolly’s instinctive, layered approach to materials and meaning.

Rooted in Mediterranean spirit and made with reverence for reclaimed materials, Bougainvillea Mosaic is a celebration of both natural beauty and cultural memory.