“This work is influenced by Matisse’s use of color as well as the reclining figure of the iconic Odalisque. Here, I’ve used the border as a nod to the illuminated manuscripts from medieval texts and book of hours. There is also a reference to my ‘Exotica Botanica’ series to contextualize my specific point of view as an African American female artist. Nature is important in this visual conversation, as is the recurring use of lemons in my work. The use of birds and other flora and fauna are used as catalysts in the artistic conversation. There is mystery and mysticism in the ‘Languid Longing and Offerings'.”
—Janet Taylor Pickett