Since 1955, Stefan Gierowski painted genre scenes observed in life (The Pigeon Coop, Scrap Iron Pile). Houses, people, and animals were represented in the paintings using symbols of a simplified, but objective stile. In the background, symmetrically arranged planes caught the eye, testifying to the pursuit of structural discipline. In 1957, Gierowski eliminated references to the outside world from his paintings and created a characteristic abstract style. At the same time, he ceased to give his pictures literary titles, substituting the word ‘Painting’ and consecutive Roman numerals. He created nearly monochromatic works with a surface texture developed to varying degrees. Painting L was painted with red paints of various hues. Gierowski mixed them directly on the canvas, adding grey and ochre. He applied the paint in thick layers or wiped it away, revealing the white layer of the primer. The subject of the painting are not only the properties of painting materials, but also the effects of colour. In one of his interviews, the artist stated, ‘The colour range can indeed create a mood. It is most appropriate when the colour agrees with me internally. Because what other reason is there that I use this red and not another one? . . . While working, I had to watch myself so as not to lose the moment that decides that the colour corresponds to the emotion I would like to convey’.

Ewa Skolimowska, translated by Paulina Bożek