Abstractists in the Winter 

Iwo Zaniewski created “Abstractists in the Winter” using oil and pencil on canvas. The piece depicts a shared studio space, glowing warmly against the dark night outside. There is a raw quality to the work, and its composition makes the viewer feel as though they have stumbled into the intimate space. We are invited to witness a behind-the-scenes moment of artistic production, as artists are actively working or resting among their materials and artwork. Zaniewski captures a feeling of community and the synergy among working artists who are huddled together for warmth, inspiration, and camaraderie during the cold months. The piece departs from traditional representations of artists as solitary geniuses by showing artists who are dependent on each other for survival and inspiration. It speaks to the emotional challenges and the necessity of community in the creative process.