am-Tomasz Setowski 01 Tomasz Setowski

The composition presents a densely layered scene, characterized by a surreal juxtaposition of figures and objects within a dreamlike environment. A vintage automobile dominates the foreground, its chrome grill reflecting the surrounding light. Seated within the vehicle are two individuals adorned in elaborate, theatrical costumes – one sporting an ornate hat with intricate detailing, the other appearing as a masked figure with a prominent green cheek marking.
A woman, partially nude and wearing stockings, leans against the cars exterior, her pose suggesting both vulnerability and defiance. Above her, perched on what appears to be a stylized architectural structure, is a bird-like creature with vibrant red plumage. The backdrop features buildings with striped windows, contributing to an atmosphere of distorted reality and unsettling familiarity.
At the painting’s base, a figure lies partially obscured beneath a white cloth, their face barely visible, hinting at themes of concealment or perhaps mortality. A small, avian form rests atop this shrouded individual, further reinforcing the recurring motif of birds and potential symbolism related to freedom or observation.
The color palette is rich and saturated, with deep blues and greens contrasting against warmer tones of red and gold. The artist’s use of light and shadow creates a sense of depth and drama, while the exaggerated proportions and distorted perspectives contribute to the overall feeling of unreality.
Subtexts within this work seem to explore themes of societal performance, hidden identities, and the fragility of existence. The elaborate costumes suggest a critique of artificiality or perhaps an examination of roles individuals adopt in public life. The presence of the partially nude figure could be interpreted as a commentary on exposure and vulnerability. The bird imagery might represent freedom from constraint or act as a detached observer of human drama. Ultimately, the painting invites contemplation about the boundaries between reality and illusion, and the complexities of human behavior within a constructed environment.