The invisible nature of air in the paintings of great masters | lecture

About

Although invisible, it has fascinated the art world for centuries with its ephemerality, movement, and symbolism. Air in painting has taken many forms. Kamila Śpiewla-Kasperek will discuss how, across different eras, artists attempted to capture this most immaterial of the elements.

Air, as an element in painting, has been depicted over the centuries as an invisible force that artists have “materialised” through movement – dynamic representations of wind bending trees, driving clouds, or stirring waves, as well as the motion of flowing garments or hair. It was also portrayed through illusionistic techniques aimed at conveying depth, atmosphere, and light within space. Key methods developed over time include aerial perspective, which lightens and cools distant planes, and sfumato, which creates soft transitions and simulates the vibration of air. Clouds and the sky served as a visible form of air, especially in Baroque and Romantic art.

When artists finally left their studios (en plein air) to paint air directly, they focused on light and atmosphere as never before. They used luminous colours, blues, and whites to convey the transparency or density of the air. They also applied impasto — thick layers of paint — which allowed them to create the texture of clouds or a dense atmosphere.

The lecture will present selected aspects related to its main subject – air in painting. It is often associated in art and culture with the spiritual realm, transcendence, and fleeting. It is also linked with breath, thought, and ideas. Artists frequently depicted the element of air in personified form (e.g. as Juno, wind deities, sylphs, or blowing putti), or symbolically through birds, figures playing wind instruments, or rising smoke. In art and culture, air symbolises freedom, the space between heaven and earth, and communication.

We warmly invite you to the final lecture in the series on the so-called Four Elements in painting. It will be delivered by Kamila Śpiewla-Kasperek.

Why attend this event?

• You will see how the motif of air and wind appears in the works of great masters of painting – from mythological scenes to modern interpretations
• Kamila Śpiewla-Kasperek will introduce the topic in an accessible and engaging way, helping the audience better understand the artworks presented
• It is a great idea for going out with a friend, a moment of relaxation away from scrolling on your phone, and a break from everyday challenges

Details

When: June 18, 2026, 17:00-18:00
Where: Workshops of Culture in Lublin, Grodzka 5a – auditorium 2nd floor
For: adults
Admission free

Accessibility

Quiet Zone, noise-canceling headphones.

How to get to the event: watch the video.
Read about the accessibility of Warsztaty Kultury and contact us: accessibility information.
Accessibility requests: fill out the form.