The painting "Self-existence" is one of Jan Dobkowski's significant works, presenting a panbiological concept of life where joy contains the promise of suffering, and life and death are part of a continuous cycle. Characteristic red-green colors and wavy, swirling lines create neosecessionist compositions expressing the artist's emotions and subconscious. The composition expresses the poetic drama of birth, blossoming, and death, affirming transience in the face of eternal existence. The stylization of the human body as a fluid, organic structure and the use of contrasts and op-art vibrations distinguish this work.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Jan Dobkowski

  • Date of birth and death

    8 June 1942

  • Natinality

    Poland

  • Style

    Modern Polish avant-garde, abstract and figurative painting

  • Significant works

    Double Girl’ series, spatial neon compositions, participation in Neo-Neo-Neo group

Information about the work

  • Year:

    1970

  • Execution technique:

    oil on canvas

  • Location:

    Warsaw, private collection

  • Theme:

    life and death, panbiology, neosecession, line, emotions and subconscious, life cycle

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The work is a reflection on the life cycle, showing the connection of birth and passing, as well as the metaphorical union of biological elements with the spiritual dimension of existence.

The key to interpreting the work

Pay attention to the distinctiveness of lines, circular, wavy forms, and the intense contrast of red and green, which together create a dynamic, emotional narrative of the painting.

Auction information

  • Estimated price:

    250 000 - 350 000 zł

  • Auction price:

    240 000 zł

See other works by this artist

Strings, 1976

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1976
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The Weaker Sex, 1971

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1971
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Strongwoman, 1985

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1985
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Oceanida from Santorini, 1990

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1990
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Waiting, 1989

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1989
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Ocean, 1988

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1988
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Total Threat, 1980

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1980
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Nocturne LXXXXIX, 2000

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 2000
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Embrion chce żyć, 1969

  • Artist: Jan Dobkowski
  • Year: 1969
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