Deckchair 

Iwo Zaniewski's soft pastel drawing presents a figure in repose in a deckchair. Zaniewski was born in 1956, during a time of immense political and social change in Poland. After decades of war and Nazi occupation, Poland was under Soviet influence which shaped every facet of life. The solitary figure in "Deckchair" evokes a sense of being confined. We see the sitter from the back; she is faceless. This positioning can be seen as a metaphor for anonymity, and perhaps reflects the individual's struggle to maintain identity amidst broader societal pressures. The muted colors of the environment suggest a certain dreariness. The figure’s dark outline against this muted background highlights the contrast between personal experience and the external world. Zaniewski seems to be asking us to consider the tension between conformity and individuality, prompting introspection on how societal forces can shape our personal realities. This work feels like a poignant reflection on the experience of living in a world where personal expression is often overshadowed.