IT Specialist 

Iwo Zaniewski made "IT Specialist" using pastel on paper. The softness of this medium lends itself well to the depiction of a cozy interior, a private, perhaps domestic sphere in which late capitalism occurs. The textured strokes of the pastel create the effect of light diffusing across the surface, adding depth and dimension to the composition. The way the pastel is applied gives the impression of almost velvety surfaces, and the furniture pieces are basic, reminiscent of items found in a modest home, creating a sense of familiarity. In this case, it is not only the labor of the IT specialist that is rendered invisible, but also the making of the painting itself. In some ways, the soft aesthetic is at odds with the high-tech subject. It is a good reminder that all artworks are made through tangible processes that are tied to larger social issues of work, politics, and consumption. The intersection of materials, making, and context helps us understand the full meaning of "IT Specialist," and how the boundaries between fine art and craft become challenged.