Opening Reception: June 16th, 6-9 PM
Exhibition Duration: June 17th – July 14th, 2023
Showroom
Joanna Buchowska is an outstanding artist who has embarked on a remarkable artistic journey: she traded traditional painting tools such as brushes and oil paints for paper and glue. After decades of engagement with classical painting, she naturally gravitated towards the realm of paper art.
What once served as a sketching tool has now become an integral part of her creative process. Buchowska’s paper works have evolved into standalone pieces that deserve recognition in their own right. Utilizing various magazines, of which she possesses an extensive collection, as well as different types of paper such as handmade silk paper, Buchowska creates her paper paintings. The paper is often torn rather than cut, and the repetitive act of tearing and gluing imbues the surface with a patina. The artist complements the paper with acrylic, ink, colored pencils, and other materials, breathing life into her works and imbuing them with texture, depth, and visual interest.
In her paintings, Buchowska often engages in a dialogue with her preferred Old Masters, paying homage to their legacy while infusing her own unique style and perspective. She also explores specific themes, such as the investigation of crime scenes (2018-2019) or the appreciation of female scientists (2021-2022). Additionally, she is particularly fascinated by the interplay between architecture and nature, where the rules of statics are barely or not at all observed.
Form and color are at the core of Buchowska’s artistic exploration. Initially, there is a loose sketch. The artist has a vision of what she intends to create and does not approach the work spontaneously. Spontaneity emerges more in later stages of the development process of a paper painting. The initial sketch often undergoes significant variations as Buchowska welcomes the fluidity and evolution of her work.
Joanna Buchowska’s artistic journey showcases her passion for paper art, her ability to engage in artistic dialogues, and her fearless exploration of form, color, and thematic concepts. Her unique approach and dedication to her craft make her an artist who continuously pushes the boundaries of her own creativity.
At the exhibition “à bout portant” (French: Up close), you can engage with Joanna Buchowska’s work up close. Her pieces invite the viewer to explore the fascinating world of paper and its diverse expressive possibilities.
