Orchid Bonsai Reflection
Mixed media wall sculpture within a floater shadowbox frame • Jay Bonadio (also known as The Shattered Glass Artist)
Style & Movement
Contemporary Pop Art / Mixed Media Assemblage
Medium & Technique
Multi-media construction utilizing shattered glass, resin, pigments, artificial or preserved botanicals, and textured sculptural elements. The technique involves low-relief assemblage with a high-gloss finish to create a reflective, 3D effect.
Creation Period
Contemporary (circa 2015-2023)
Dimensions & Format
Large portrait format, estimated approximately 48 x 36 inches
Subject Description
The piece depicts a stylized bonsai tree with vibrant pink orchid blooms. The tree features an exaggerated, gnarled white trunk and sits in a shallow pot atop a reflective surface that creates a mirror-image illusion, with a textured wooden support structure visible beneath the 'glass' line.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the work appears to be in its original gallery mounting with no visible structural or pigment issues.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $12,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$3,500 - $7,000 USD
Provenance History
Direct from artist's studio or contemporary gallery specializing in South Florida pop art; typically sold through private collections in Miami/Palm Beach.
Art Historical Significance
Bonadio is significant in the contemporary Florida art scene for his 'shattered glass' technique, which challenges the boundary between destruction and beauty. This work fits into the modern tradition of still life reimagined through industrial materials.
Notable Features
Distinctive use of cracked glass to create light refraction; the 'floating' effect created by the shadowbox frame; and the artist's signature hyper-realistic botanical elements contrasted with textured sculptural bases.
Condition Issues
None visible; potential for minor resin yellowing over decades if exposed to direct UV, but currently pristine.
Conservation Recommendations
Display away from direct sunlight; clean only with specialized microfiber cloths to avoid scratching the resin/glass surface; maintain stable humidity.