Tulips 

Iwo Zaniewski painted these Tulips using oil on canvas in 1985. The tulip, presented en masse in a simple vase, carries a rich tapestry of meanings across cultures and history. In 17th-century Holland, the tulip became a symbol of wealth and status during "Tulip Mania," where single bulbs were valued at exorbitant prices. This association with prosperity and fleeting beauty echoes in later art, often intertwined with themes of vanitas, reminding us of life's transient nature. Observe how the pale hues and almost mournful arrangement evoke a sense of melancholy. Consider, too, the psychological resonance of flowers, often linked to femininity, love, and the cycle of life and death. The clustered arrangement might subtly stir collective memories of fertility or abundance. Zaniewski's Tulips, therefore, are not merely a still life, but an enduring symbol of cultural and emotional significance, recurring through art history with ever-shifting, yet deeply rooted, associations.