ARTIST BIO
Joanna Pilarczyk is a London-based contemporary figurative painter. Born in Poland, Pilarczyk studied at the Art University in Zielona Gora, where she earned a Master's degree in Visual Arts and Art Education.
Pilarczyk's artistic talent has earned her recognition and accolades. She received the Boynes Monthly Artist Award and was a finalist for the International FiKVA Award for Figurative Painters and the Women United Art Prize in 2022 and 2021. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, including at prestigious venues like Mall Galleries at Women in Art Fair, Start Art Fair in Saatchi Gallery and the Other Art Fair in Truman Brewery, London. Additionally, she showcased her newest paintings at a solo show with Oink Gallery, featuring pieces from her 'My Paradise' series. Furthermore, Joanna actively participated in the Spring and Summer editions of the Other Art Fair in 2022.
Her artworks have even crossed international borders, with her paintings from the Intimate Times series exhibited at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago and Mixx Atelier Gallery in Telluride, USA. Moreover, she contributed her art to the 'Memories in Hindsight' group show at the J/M Gallery in Notting Hill and Fitzrovia Gallery in London.
Pilarczyk’s paintings have been featured in publications, including Create! Magazine, Art Seen, Women United Art Magazine, The Huts, Suboart, All She Makes and Boynes Artist Award.
ARTIST STATEMENT
Combining the lively, flesh-toned bodies of her models with vibrant, clean abstract shapes, patterns and lemon-green foliage, Joanna Pilarczyk’s paintings pay tribute to modern portraiture and contemporary figurative art.
Born in Poland in the post-Soviet country when everything seemed plain and uninspiring, she remembers her first glimpses of Western culture appearing on TV, which sparked her fascination with Hollywood films and the vibrancy of the 'idyllic' American world. After moving to London years later, and having encountered these unknown, exotic places and people of many cultures, she began to be significantly influenced by them.
Captivated by the vibrancy of paint, Pilarczyk uses a bold mixture of clashing colours, blending neon acrylics and oils to create sensual and striking portraits of the acquaintances and friends within the community of North London. Her romantic compositions explore themes of relationships, self-awareness and acceptance. They convey melancholy and stillness, capturing a moment where the subjects are simply resting and free of responsibility.
Colour plays an essential role in Joanna's work, and her kaleidoscopic palette speaks volumes in her recent paintings. Florescent brights and rich neutrals miraculously co-exist under the direction of her brush. The density of colours, patterns and shifting light create ordinary but poignant scenes that illustrate the heightened, intimate and peaceful settings surrounded by exotic nature.
In her recent work, Pilarczyk portrays mixed-race and gay couples from her neighbourhood. To create these portraits, the artist engages in discussions with her friends and models, delving into their experiences, love stories and struggles related to racism, sexuality and cultural diversity. She aims to give a voice to people seeking acceptance within their close community and society and highlight them as inspiration to others.
London / United Kingdom
