Fine Art Painting
Aleksandra Adriana
Like trimming back a plant to allow it to grow more abundantly. Taking a few steps back, to then leap forward, fostering the development of more authentic work.
Zawada’s studio practice explores the processes and emotional nuances associated with painting like a child.
Taking themselves way back over a decade, Zawada revisits a childlike mindset and moves forward, leveraging adult artmaking skills and freedom to create art they wanted to make as a child; art that aligns with both past and present desires and aspirations.
A focus is placed on the artistic process, emphasizing the intrinsic significance of materials and their utilization, along with the emotions invoked while painting. The overarching goal is to rediscover the joy of artmaking, akin to the uninhibited feelings experienced as a child, while avoiding the sense of obligation or spite in the painting process – an easy hole to fall into.
Zawada remains steadfast in adhering to their artistic values, prioritizing genuineness, authenticity, honesty, rawness, and an unfiltered approach in their work. An intuitive approach that feels natural is a key aspect of their current practice.
Thematically, the work tends towards egocentrism. The paintings have been very much about Zawada’s own psyche – delving into thoughts, memories, feelings, dreams. To put it simply, they have deliberately been painting what is on their mind. This topic can be quite vague and broad; however, this provides the freedom to paint intuitively and enjoy the process; allowing it to flow in a natural way. Ultimately, it all comes together; the topic narrows down by itself and becomes more cohesive with time.
Due to the personal nature of the work, a substantial portion of the pieces ended up being about fear, anxiety, shame, or anger.