ARTIST BIO
Joanna Pilarczyk is a London-based contemporary figurative painter. Born in Poland, Pilarczyk studied at the Art University in Zielona Gora. She holds an MA degree in Visual Arts and Art Education.
After moving to London over a decade ago, amazed and entranced by diverse cultures and the city's vibrant energy, she began to paint oil portraits of new acquaintances and friends within the artist community of North London.
Her recent vibrant paintings focus on leisure, intimacy, self-awareness, relationships with another person, and nature. Pilarczyk says, 'In my new body of work, I explore the subject of a stillness. A moment where my models are simply being and free of responsibility. However, it sits in contrast to vivid, energetic colours. I want the viewer to be drawn in by the often dynamic compositions, the lure of the colours and then notice the stillness within that.
Joanna Pilarczyk is a finalist of the International FiKVA Award for Painters 2023. She won the Boynes Monthly Artist Award and was a Women United Art Prize finalist in 2022 and 2021. She has exhibited her work nationally and internationally; recently, she presented her newest paintings at the Other Art Fair in Truman Brewery and the Start Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery, London. Her work from the 'My Paradise' series was showcased at her solo show with Oink Gallery. She also participated in the Spring and Summer editions of the Other Art Fair in 2022. Her work from the 'Intimate Times' series was exhibited in the USA at 33 Contemporary Gallery in Chicago and Mixx Atelier Gallery in Telluride.
Pilarczyk’s paintings have been featured in publications, including Create! Magazine, Art Seen, Women United Art Magazine, Suboart, New Visionary and Boynes Artist Award.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My vivid paintings celebrate and explore the subject of intimacy, love, relationships with another person, and nature. As a figurative painter, I take inspiration from people, often focusing on a female figure or a couple resting in a vibrant, colourful, dream-like garden between the imagined and reality.
After moving to London over a decade ago, amazed and entranced by diverse cultures and the city's vibrant energy, I began to paint oil portraits of new acquaintances and friends within the artist community of North London.
In my new body of work, I explore the subject of stillness. A moment where my models are simply being and free of responsibility. However, it sits in contrast to vivid, energetic colours. I want the viewer to be drawn in by the often dynamic compositions, the lure of the colours and then notice the stillness set within that.
In recent paintings, I also explore the relationship between two people from diverse backgrounds, cultures and sexuality. Through conversations, I learn about their experiences, feelings and problems related to racism and sexism, which they experience as mixed-race or gay couples.
I aim to capture their love and highlight society's lack of acceptance.
Growing up in post-Soviet - Poland, my world seemed grey and uninspiring. As a child, I remember first glimpses of Western culture appearing on TV. I was fascinated by Hollywood films and the vibrancy of the 'idyllic' American world.
Having encountered these unknown movies of exotic places and people of many cultures, I began to be significantly influenced by them.
After moving to the United Kingdom, I developed my visual language of characteristic neon colours, oriental flowers and plants, strong sunlight reflecting on resting bodies, and the serene atmosphere that began dominating my canvases.
London / United Kingdom
