Sobocka’s study of water and the human body recalls the last of summer’s rays as we move into colder days.
Sobock’s affinity for water as a subject matter came from a moment of personal reflection while sitting besides a swimming pool on vacation. The sensations of water on her legs and the synesthetic experience of water both inside and outside her body shifted from a mundane experience to one of awe. It became a significant source of inspiration and, with its sensuality and sensory richness, is now a recurring theme in her work.
Encapsulating the full spectrum of sensory experiences, from touch to scent, water plays to the boundaries of the body, between internal and external. It is a symbol of purification, a means to cleanse memories and pain. But it is also a source of joy, pleasure and relaxation.
In Sobocka’s art, there is a constant exploration of contrasts such as that between joy and pain. She believes that art should break the mold of simple beauty and provoke thought and emotion. Her paintings often feature sharp shadows, stark color contrasts, and symbolic elements. With the pool series, this can be seen with the contrast between the sharp lines of the pool versus the soft curves of rubber rings, or the dramatic chiaroscuro shadows cast over the figures. This juxtaposition and provocation are integral to her creative process.
