Bodily strings VI

“Bodily strings VI” aligns with the minimalist aesthetic characteristic of the “Limits” series. In this work, Magdalena Nowatkowska portrays the human figure using vertical, undulating lines, reducing it to its simplest, most abstract form. The artist here investigates the essence of corporeality, the symbolic boundaries of the individual, and the figure’s relationship to its surrounding space.

The painting features regularly spaced vertical lines in various colors. Although these lines seem straightforward at first glance, they incorporate subtle curves that suggest the contours of the human body. Their undulating forms and gentle bends symbolize the fragility of physicality and the natural, organic shapes of the human figure. Repetition, regularity, and rhythm among the lines create a sense of harmony, yet the slight differences between them underscore the individuality of each “figure.”

The color palette is restrained but multidimensional. Each hue carries its own significance: red stands for life, emotion, tension; blue for calm, balance, and distance; black for strength, mystery, and depth; green and orange for nature, renewal, and energy.

Against a white background, these colors become more pronounced while still maintaining a sense of harmony and order.

The artist reduces the human form to a graphic sign—a simple, undulating element that is both universal and unique. The lines can be seen as representations of the human presence in its most basic, symbolic expression. They reflect individual identity: each is part of a larger whole yet remains distinct. They appear to move subtly, as though balancing between stability and distortion.

“Bodily strings VI” is a minimalist composition that uses simple forms to convey the complexity of human nature. Magdalena Nowatkowska distills humanity to the simplest of lines, revealing our fragility, uniqueness, and connections with our environment. The work is a reflection on both bodily and symbolic boundaries, as well as an attempt to capture the essence of the human “self” in its most fundamental form. It encourages contemplation of the harmony, individuality, and delicacy inherent in human existence.