Ania Matuszewska - "Underwater Abstraction" series

Anna Matuszewska's series "Underwater Abstractions" invites viewers on an immersive journey into the artist's deeply personal exploration of solitude, anxiety, and transformation. Rooted in the memory of her first scuba dive, this collection captures the ineffable tranquility she experienced underwater — a meditative state that offered a profound contrast to her inner turmoil. These paintings represent the alchemical process of turning those complex emotions into something tangible, as each work becomes a visual manifestation of a specific emotional state, allowing her to undergo a catharsis.

Visually, Matuszewska's "Underwater Abstractions" are a symphony of fluid, organic forms that evoke the shifting movement of sea creatures and undulating currents. The vivid yet often surreal palettes create a sense of both alienness and familiarity, striking a balance between abstraction and recognition. The compositions invite comparisons to the weightless, slow-motion quality of aquatic environments, where the passage of time feels suspended.

The influence of Butoh, an avant-garde Japanese dance form, can be perceived in the artist's work. Butoh, known for its exploration of raw, elemental movement, is often characterized by intense physical expression and a sense of visceral connection with the subconscious. Having grown up surrounded by dance photography through her father's work, Matuszewska has developed an intimate understanding of movement that informs her painterly language. The result is a series that embodies a paradox: the imagery feels poised yet perpetually in motion, both weighted and ethereal.

In a broader historical context, Matuszewska's work resonates with traditions of organic abstraction, reminiscent of the biomorphic forms seen in the works of early 20th-century modernists such as Jean Arp and Georgia O'Keeffe. Like O'Keeffe, Matuszewska leans into a visual language that blurs the boundary between abstraction and nature, imbuing her images with a sensual vitality that transcends literal representation. Furthermore, her use of color, ranging from vibrant reds and blues to muted greys, evokes the emotional spectrum found in Mark Rothko's color fields — each shade acting as a vehicle for mood and introspection.

In today's contemporary art landscape, "Underwater Abstractions" also speaks to a wider dialogue on mental health and the therapeutic potential of art. Artists increasingly explore their vulnerabilities and anxieties through their work, inviting viewers into their emotional landscapes to foster a sense of empathy and shared human experience. Matuszewska's art, in this sense, not only documents her personal journey but also creates a space for collective introspection — an underwater sanctuary where viewers can confront their own emotions, suspended in the calm of her abstracted seascapes. The organic, flowing forms and luminous colors remind us of the beauty that can be found in both the natural world and our own inner depths, encouraging a kind of stillness that is rare in the frenetic pace of modern life.