HILLRAG MAGAZINE
History and Color – Art and The City
September 9, 2024
By: Phil Hutinet
Diane Szczepaniak’s latest solo exhibition invites viewers into a world where color, light, and space converge to explore the deeper connections between the seen and unseen, the material and the spiritual. Known for her meticulous layering technique, Szczepaniak’s works radiate a luminous depth, transforming the canvas into a vibrant, seemingly living entity.
Szczepaniak’s paintings echo the spiritual and spatial explorations of Post-War abstract artists like Barnett Newman and Agnes Martin. Her “Dwelling” series, inspired by the natural intersections of sky, land, and sea during a visit to Melbourne, Australia, highlights her minimalist approach. These large-scale, “L”-shaped color field paintings pulse with life, as if they are breathing and expanding before the viewer’s eyes. Art historian Alice Gauvin aptly describes this phenomenon, noting how Szczepaniak’s deep understanding of space animates her work, creating an almost performative experience.
A blend of artistic and philosophical influences, from Paul Klee to Taoism, underpins Szczepaniak’s practice. Her path from an economics degree to becoming an artist is as layered as her work. After discovering her passion for art during a transformative European tour, she studied under sculptor Michael Skop and furthered her education, earning a BFA in sculpture and drawing, followed by an MA. Szczepaniak’s work, which has been exhibited nationally and is part of esteemed collections, continues to inspire and resonate. 1530 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and by appointment. (202) 986-1200.