On one string – Self-portrait 1908

Here’s Jacek Malczewski’s self-portrait with oil paint; the painting feels like a dreamscape or an old photograph, with its muted colors and otherworldly figures. I feel for the artist here, like he's trying to work something out. The texture looks smooth, and the subdued palette makes me think about memory and folklore. Those figures flanking him: Who are they? What do they mean? I can only imagine what it was like to create this—layering the figures, building up the narrative with each brushstroke. And that single-stringed instrument! It's like he's plucking at the chords of his identity, searching for a melody. The piece reminds me of other artists, like the Symbolists, who delved into the subconscious. Ultimately, painting is an exchange of ideas and conversations. We see ourselves in each other's work, seeking meaning and connection through art.