Podejrzane, Pets

Anna orbaczewska

I am interested in circumstances that arise when culture and religion cross paths. I observe how these two themes influence the formation of social norms, and how particular social roles are bestowed upon individuals. Through my painting I examine and attempt to unveil the pattern-formation process that shapes or changes our behavior, expression and perception. 

My work (“Pets” series) was an attempt to place the individual experience (including mine in some cases) within a wider social context. I am tormented by the notion of how deeply we can internalize and identify with the rules and regulations that are imposed on us by social correction, religion and our upbringing. How we can recognize social regulationsas our own desires and needs? I wonderwhere the breaking point of disobedience exactly lies; when one tries to leave the boundaries of social conditioning and is punished or ostracised for that. 

My paintings often develop into thematic cycles, series or installations that tackle and probe particular issues. My approach to creation is equally intellectualand emotional. My aim is to provoke certain emotions in a viewer’s perception: the tension and unease resulting from a clearly presented yet amibguous message – representation. 

The painterly series I have been working on is titled “Podejrzane” - which, in the Polish language has two meanings: one meaning is associated with looking furtively, peeping at something you are not supposed look at; the other meaning is shady (as in shady business),questionable, suspicious. The series title reflects my fascination with multiple meanings, multiple dimensions, ambiguity and the potential for different interpretations. This fascination is reflected in the formal approach to painting, which takes the form of painterly installation. One title (unit) consists of several images, and therefore not only the images themselves but also their inter-relation and dialogue createsthe field of meaning. The elements – images arranged in various configurations, may result in different possibilities of interpretation. A certain arrangement may have its purpose and intent, but it does not preclude the possibility of change, re-configuration, movement of form and meaning