Grzegorz Morycinski (1936-2015), WITHOUT TITLE, 1981

oil/canvas, 85 x 50 cm
signed p.d.: G. MORYCIŃSKI 81

The work of Grzegorz Moryciński is consciously archaizing. It is painting embedded in fin de siècle symbolism, often alluding to the aesthetics of Japanism present in 19th century Western art. In the catalog of the artist's retrospective exhibition, Lukasz Kossowski wrote: "The basic category of Morycinski's painting is its intimacy and the silence that dominates it. [...] The subject of Morycinski's works becomes the enclave of his painting studio" (in: Mirrors of Silence. Painting and Poetry by Grzegorz Morycinski, Adam Mickiewicz Museum of Literature, 21.03 - 30.04.2013 [exhibition catalogue], Warsaw 2013, p. 9). Andrzej Osęka recalled the studio atmosphere: "The place of action for many of Grzegorz Morycinski's paintings and drawings is his own studio on the sixth floor of an Art Nouveau building on Lwowska Street in Warsaw. However, the charms of Art Nouveau are not visible here: there is no colored glass in the windows, nor furniture with intricate profiles. Simple furnishings prevail, right angles [...]" (in Mirrors of Silence..., op. cit., p. 17). The featured painting, depicting the interior of a studio, is extremely subtle in color, and its ascetic, asymmetrical composition betrays inspiration from Japanese art. The woman visible in the painting is not posing for the painter. We are watching her along with him. We also find dolls here - a motif characteristic of Morycinski. In the ajar door we notice a mysterious figure. The representation is ambiguous and invites the viewer to weave a story.