Cortina sul Mare 2018

Lech Jankowski created this 47 by 47 cm painting, Cortina sul Mare, using oil paint. The work’s title translates from Italian as ‘Curtain on the Sea,’ evoking both a sense of drama and a stark dividing line. The canvas, dominated by shades of black and purple, visualizes a scene where the sea meets a darkened sky, challenging our perceptions of landscape art. It's tempting to see in it a commentary on the environmental challenges of our time, but it's important to remember that all art is rooted in its historical context. Jankowski, born in Poland, has witnessed the societal shifts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Considering this, one might interpret the painting as a reflection on division, whether literal geographical boundaries, or more abstract social and political divides. By studying his statements, artistic influences, and the cultural context of Poland, one can draw a much more insightful understanding of his work. The meaning of art, like history, shifts with context and interpretation.