IS4 057 Leslie Szabo 02 (On Vanity) Leslie Szabo

The pastel drawing presents a still life arrangement centered around objects associated with personal grooming and adornment. A collection of cosmetics – lipstick tubes, compacts containing powder and blush, mascara wands, eyeliner pencils, and a perfume bottle – are scattered across a surface rendered in soft, muted tones of pink, peach, and blue-green. The composition lacks a clear focal point; instead, the eye is drawn to the interplay of textures and colors within the group.
The artist’s handling of pastel creates a sense of immediacy and fragility. Lines are loose and expressive, suggesting a fleeting moment rather than a meticulously rendered depiction. The application of color is similarly unrestrained, with hues blending and overlapping to create a hazy atmosphere. This technique contributes to an overall feeling of transience and impermanence.
The presence of cotton balls near the upper left corner introduces a subtle element of ritual or preparation. They suggest a process – the careful application of cosmetics – that implies a desire for transformation or enhancement. The scattered nature of the objects, however, disrupts any sense of order or control. They appear discarded, as if the act of adornment has been interrupted or abandoned.
The color palette reinforces this ambiguity. While pinks and peaches evoke associations with femininity and beauty, the inclusion of cooler blues and greens introduces a note of melancholy or resignation. The overall effect is one of quiet contemplation on themes of vanity, aging, and the performative aspects of identity. It’s not a celebration of beauty but rather an exploration of its complexities and inherent ephemerality.
The compositions lack of depth and the flattened perspective further contribute to this sense of detachment. The objects are presented as symbols, stripped of their practical function and elevated to the realm of visual representation. This invites reflection on the cultural significance of these items – their role in shaping perceptions of self and others.