Exile – right section of the triptych 1909

Jacek Malczewski painted this oil on canvas right section of the triptych, Exile, in 1919. The way the artist approaches the paint is interesting, it seems that the paint has been built up in layers. I find myself drawn to the materiality of the work, the way the browns and blues of the coat contrast with the red beard. The texture of the piece adds depth. The brushstrokes are visible, especially in the background and the man’s clothing, suggesting a process that embraces the hand of the artist. This adds to the emotional weight of the piece. Look at the texture of the beard, the colour is almost metallic, yet the brushstrokes remain soft. Malczewski was deeply influenced by Polish history and folklore. This piece reminds me of other artists dealing with the theme of displacement such as Paula Modersohn-Becker. The ambiguity invites endless interpretations.