Exhibition

Bright Works Project

12 Sep 2019 – 15 Sep 2019

Event times

10-6pm

Cost of entry

FREE

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The main subject of Gosia Poraj’s abstracts is rooted in her memories of landscapes and human capacity. She’s created a lyrical vocabulary of symbols to represent the essence of familiar shapes found in nature.

About

BRIGHT WORKS PROJECT

Abstract paintings by 

GOSIA PORAJ 

“In a time of destruction, create something.” ― Maxine Hong Kingston

“In the times of socio-political unrest and economic pressures, people feel overwhelmed. Emotions of helplessness and escalation of issues make us mistrust others, as we tend to look for the fix on the outside. On the other hand, for an artist, it’s tempting to engage activism into the practice to speak about injustice.

However, every day when I wake up I chose to make an effort to see the possibility within the constraints; both in my life and in my art. The very things that “happen to me” are guidance on my boundaries and result in the deep teachings on how to act. In the same way, my art reveals itself in front of my eyes, also does my life. There is planning involved in every stage, but full control is impossible and the attachment to it creates tension and resistance. A trap. The attitude I use in response the life/art developments is what actually drives the progress.

Putting actions out there and trusting that things will work out is a combination hard to beat. That's why my Bright Works Project is an important part of my practice.

Bright Works Project: I talk to strangers and ask them to share their hopes with me. Connection with others, while being vulnerable (exposed to rejection) is an important part of each encounter. At this point, if they accept the invitation to a conversation, they need to get personal too. After that, I use their stories as an inspiration to create artworks. Each conversation results in an artwork. By taking one's thought and bringing it to life as an object it serves people in three-ways: people who read the stories see how much we are all connected and how much we're all capable of; the work created is an emotional portrait of a person who trusted me (a stranger); creating a piece of art helps their hope to be brought to reality. This is linked to my belief that: Creating art is the quickest way to get from the non-physical to the physical realm.

           

All my abstract paintings are created with balance and optimism in mind during a semi-meditative state. Creating this surreal universe of shapes and colours is a metaphor for the infinity of dreams. It is my goal to show the worlds being created in front of our eyes to inspire people. Each of us (artist or not) has the power to create their world as rich and beautiful as their boundaries allow them.”

Bio: London based artist Gosia Poraj is most recognised by her optimistic abstract ink paintings on paper and the unique way of layering her colourful compositions. This exhibition encompasses her new painting series and artist's ongoing social/art project, which involves real stories of strangers she meets. Gosia's style of painting, especially planning and developing the work, was profoundly influenced by her education in printmaking. Her pieces aim for technical perfection and often puzzle the viewer to what method was used; “I can’t express myself through painterly works, so I’ve eliminated from my art all marks that resemble painting”. 

The main subject of Gosia’s abstracts is rooted in her memories of landscapes and human capacity. She’s created a lyrical vocabulary of symbols to represent the essence of familiar shapes found in nature. As part of her practice, she explores the psychology of hope and progress. This research informs her art, whilst creating a dialogue with the audience.

Gosia has an MFA in printmaking from the Academy of Fine Arts (Katowice, Poland). Main achievements include Bax Family Fine Art Award and Bronze award received during The Passion For Freedom Festival.

GosiaPoraj.com   @gosiaporaj  |   deptforddoesart.com  @deptforddoesart

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Gosia Poraj

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