Abstraction 

Iwo Zaniewski rendered this scene of an artist’s studio with pastel on paper. You can see that the strokes of the medium are clearly visible, especially in areas of solid color like the floor, walls, and the artist’s red shirt. What makes this work so evocative is the way the artist harnesses the inherent qualities of pastel to create a sense of texture and light. Zaniewski employs blending techniques to create smooth gradations of color and subtle shifts in tone, capturing the softness of the light filtering through the window. But he also juxtaposes these areas with looser, more gestural strokes, adding a sense of spontaneity. Note the textures of the carpet and the rough surface of the unfinished canvas. Ultimately, Zaniewski's decision to work with pastel is integral to the artwork's overall effect, conveying the tactile quality of the materials and the immersive process of artmaking. This reminds us that an artwork’s meaning emerges not only from its subject matter but also from the artist's skilled manipulation of materials.