Irena Roman Second Wind: Journeys of Re-Invention

With Second Wind, Irena Roman challenges stereotypical views of aging by focusing on the vitality and creativity of individuals who have found a new vocation; their active and passionate engagement with creative pursuits developed after the age of sixty-five. 

For the past few years Irena has in her painting practice concentrated on transparent watercolor still life paintings that feature vintage glass objects. She says, “My inception of Second Wind came about while working on that series. I realized the once-cherished objects I’d been focusing on were metaphors for aging, imparting a small slice of a much larger theme. Deciding to act on my yearning to switch gears concerning subject matter, I called on my story-telling roots as an illustrator. It seemed the logical expansion was to create narrative, figurative portraits that exemplify the grace and wisdom of those who possess a wealth of knowledge that can be obtained only through a lifetime of experience.” 

“Ultimately, what I’m most interested in is uncovering the intangible, ethereal nature of whatever I’m painting. In all my work, I aim to create imagery that transcends ‘the subject’ so that ‘it’ becomes a vehicle for symbolism and conveys a sense of timelessness. This pursuit is a moving target and a life-long quest. I strive to preserve the fleeting illusion of presence, to maintain that exact moment of light when its alchemy transforms the familiar to the extraordinary. I find that it’s within this space we are invited to take pause.” 

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.