Autor: Paulina Sylwestrowicz

75 x 90 Steel Plate, 5 x 5 cm oil on canvas miniatures

The Research Moment of the Image

My explorations in abstraction have allowed me to approach the very particles of the image and of color itself. The desire to investigate the relationships and conditions that give rise to a synergic whole directed my gaze toward the smallest constituent of perception. In this series, I observe the moment of emergence — the instant when interaction occurs — with silence, background, and void. The 5×5 cm format becomes the Research Moment of the image, which I liken to the conditions of sound perception: an isolated field that allows the resonance and full articulation of a single tone.

Moment badawczy obrazu

Punkty, miniatury 5×5 cm, olej na płótnie.

Doświadczenia z abstrakcją pozwoliły mi na zbliżenie się do cząstek obrazu i koloru. Chęć zbadania relacji i warunków zaistnienia synergii całości skierowało moje spojrzenie na najmniejszą składową percepcji. W przypadku tej serii obserwuję moment pojawiania się, zaistnienia faktu interakcji – z ciszą, tłem, pustką. 5×5 cm to Moment Badawczy obrazu, który porównuję do warunków percepcji dźwięku, tworząc obszar izolowany, dający wybrzmieć wartości pojedynczego tonu.

Paulina Sylwestrowicz The Reveries 2019 | 75×75 cm oil on canvas

The titular cycle „Reveries” comprises a selection of paintings that build upon concepts previously explored in the artist’s doctoral thesis, „Chaos Forms – Points of Reference”. The recent works from 2024 have achieved a stage of contemplative balance, characterized by the juxtaposition of complementary colors. This harmonious contrast is accentuated by the placement of luminous, isolated objects against a celestial backdrop.

The sky’s mesmerizing, pre-stormy, and dreamy atmosphere creates an otherworldly ambiance that invites introspective contemplation. The interplay between the vibrant objects and the melancholic background underscores the sense of dynamic equilibrium and mystery.

Under this sensual layer, the cycle conceals a certain concept: the author treats the work as „coordinates”. By creating images –  she creates the signs, strengthening the basic elements of visual language through repetition, reiteration, and exposure. The condensation of a fragment is the material for the emergence of its autonomy, creating an additional dimension – a dimension of suspension, depth of perception and depth of knowledge.

Through her thoughtful and deliberate approach, the artist seeks to grasp the essence of human existence and experiential reality. Themes recurring throughout her oeuvre include: Points of Reference, The Areas of Oblivion, Chaotic Condensatie, and Transitional States of Mind. At the core of her creative process lies the philosophical concept of „I-Am-Now,” which emphasizes being a conscious observer in the world around us.

She points out that the described point, the true image, is indeed the moment of awareness, being consciously “here”, and the act of cognition. The work serves as coordinates. Consciousness, in its uncertainty, penetrates through unclear layers, projections, uncertain, momentary, fleeting. It lends presence to the absent – in silence.

The Reveries – solo exhibition showcasing the artistic journey of the artist, spanning over 18 years from 2006 to 2024. This presentation also marks the culmination of a mature artistic philosophy that has evolved through her creative process.