Ewa Zawadzka - On the edge of light. Second edition of the latest works

About the exhibition:

Painting on the edge

Previous text on the exhibition of prof. Ewa Zawadzka, which took place in Xanadu exactly two years ago, concluded with the conclusion: "at some stage of mature creativity, the artist knows that it is not always about finding answers, sometimes it is enough to ask questions skillfully". The currently presented exhibition "On the edge of light" is a collection of several well-posed painting questions, to which the viewer will answer. These will be emotional responses, because Zawadzka's work does not leave us indifferent. It draws into its world, engages, and often also amazes.

Reflections on light and architecture by prof. Zawadzka has been dreaming for many years and in many techniques - not only in painting, but also in graphics and photography. The exhibition in Xanadu, however, is purely painterly this time. Contains the latest works that were inspired by travels. It is clear that not only the native Silesian landscape and brutal solutions of local architecture influence the artist's work. This time, however, thanks to a series of works created under the influence of the appearance of Armenian churches, we can see how inspiration turns into concrete creativity.

"Armenian" painting is only part of the presentation. In other works - from small in size, but intensively saturated with structural elements, to large-format paintings - we can observe how the artist builds subsequent layering plans, how complicates the composition, how it filters light streaks and disperses the darkness through the cracks of the sun. The goal is not a decorative puzzle, but a presentation of the spiritual sacrum or the quest for infinity in the spiritual sphere. In the layer of painting it is a play of structures and textures, what is smooth with what is porous, matte black with vibrant brightness. Painting for years, under very similar motives, prof. Ewa Zawadzka creates different concepts that are not boring and constantly fascinating.

The artist's work is a constant search. Their effect in recent works are compositions composed of several stretchers. This gives images extra strength and rhythm, further emphasizes their structure and brings them almost literally to architectural thinking. Thanks to them, the author intentionally changes into three-dimensional, although formally she remains in the image plane. Zawadzka's painting has always been based on the illusion of depth and spatiality. In recent works, this impression is even more pronounced and moving. The whole set of presented works is also connected by a cool range of colors, very elegant, but also - at least for me - creating even more space for reflection and individual reflection. Thanks to the color defined in this way, we feel more air in the compositions, and this gives the viewer a special opportunity - to find himself in the image space with his individual thoughts. However, every painting by prof. Ewa Zawadzka receives differently. For some people it is nostalgic, others emphasize the strength emanating from the work.

The work of prof. Zawadzka is always present in Xanadu, which is why I often have the opportunity to talk about them with art lovers visiting the gallery. Reception of works is always strongly emotional. This is moving painting, arousing humility, but also an endless fascination.

Agnieszka Gniotek