1944 

This painting, titled "1944," was made in 2019 by Paweł Kluza, using acrylic on canvas. The artist has used a simple and direct approach, with flat planes of colour, and an absence of naturalistic detail. The material contributes to the painting's raw, urgent feeling. The figures are not individualized, and the tanks are reduced to basic, symbolic shapes. Kluza is less interested in the specifics of the conflict and more focused on the broader themes of war, violence, and memory. The application of paint is expressive, capturing movement and chaos through the gestures of the artist’s hand. The title refers to a specific historical moment, yet Kluza's approach ensures that it speaks to the continuing cycles of conflict throughout human history. This work challenges any comfortable distinction between fine art and craft, demanding that we consider the social and political dimensions of making.