In the assemblage titled African Seaweed, a photograph of Tomczak’s ten-year-old uncle is broken in half, symbolizing the flu epidemic that ended his young life. Dried, heart-shaped flowers hang above his head and assorted seaweed specimens, individually pressed on yellowed parchment and onionskin paper, illustrate time’s passage. In each case, life’s journey was disrupted and cut short in mid stride.
By contrast, Tomczak’s portraits of women are spare and succinct. Painted backdrops, caressing fabrics, velvety magnolias, and vivid heleconia quietly complement feminine figures, statuesque postures and the underlying vitality of the women depicted.
