Although it would be difficult to discuss Jan Smaga’s work without taking into account Aneta Grzeszykowska, his partner of many years, whom he met while he was studying, Smaga’s independent projects are equally filled with a literal analysis of the subject matter. The presented work is a part of the ‘Pacyfik’ series. In that cycle of works, Smaga still works with the body, which is characteristic of his individual projects. The artist is fascinated with the illusionist power of photography, the depth hidden in its flat surface which becomes a ‘veritable image of reality’. That is clearly visible in the ‘Pacyfik’ series. A body of a naked woman submerged in water is shown in frames which evoke the sensation of lightness. At times, the body appears to give in to water and disappears in its depths, at other times, we can see the interplay of the body and a white material, carried by the water. Smaga’s photographs arouse both delight - with the lightness and beauty of the female body - and anxiety - as the body is left at the mercy of the element of water.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE DETAILS:
- In addition to the hammer price, the successful bidder agrees to pay us a buyer's premium on the hammer price of each lot sold. On all lots we charge 18 % of the hammer price.
black and white photograpy, vintage print on Baryta paper, 19.5 x 29 cm (sheet)
described on the reverse: 'JAN SMAGA | 1999 | A.P.'
EXHIBITED:
- Powiekszenie: fotografie w czasach zgielku: Festiwal Fotografii Czarno-Bialej, Zakopane - Warsaw, 2002
Although it would be difficult to discuss Jan Smaga’s work without taking into account Aneta Grzeszykowska, his partner of many years, whom he met while he was studying, Smaga’s independent projects are equally filled with a literal analysis of the subject matter. The presented work is a part of the ‘Pacyfik’ series. In that cycle of works, Smaga still works with the body, which is characteristic of his individual projects. The artist is fascinated with the illusionist power of photography, the depth hidden in its flat surface which becomes a ‘veritable image of reality’. That is clearly visible in the ‘Pacyfik’ series. A body of a naked woman submerged in water is shown in frames which evoke the sensation of lightness. At times, the body appears to give in to water and disappears in its depths, at other times, we can see the interplay of the body and a white material, carried by the water. Smaga’s photographs arouse both delight - with the lightness and beauty of the female body - and anxiety - as the body is left at the mercy of the element of water.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE DETAILS:
- In addition to the hammer price, the successful bidder agrees to pay us a buyer's premium on the hammer price of each lot sold. On all lots we charge 18 % of the hammer price.