Mariusz Sołtysik
Land scape
CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW newspapers, films, and documentaries. We often do not have time to find out about the relationships present in a particular place. In case of Invaders balloons, the organiser of the event prepared information about historical knowledge and the context of the place. A lonely, closed down( again an abandoned place) pressure tower surrounded with blocks of flats and highrise buildings, which are rather familiar to me, was a challenge for a message about something that can poison our minds. Something that can be wrapped as an attractive product. The role of the artist is certainly changing in the same way life conditions, and social relations are changing. Our knowledge about the world and the objects we use are more complicated then 100 or 50 years ago. This can result with bigger misunderstandings concerning the language of science, and the language of art exposed by a part of society, which has got an awareness of unequal access to common goods, education, etc. We shall not achieve‘ new sensitivity’ thanks to‘ new media’, or any other technological devices. This work has to be done by us in order to change a perspective, mentality, traditions which persistently lead us to ignorance, wars and conflicts. No devices can give us freedom like that. Although they allow us( the artists) for a variety, interactive possibilities of expressing a message, in my opinion, the most important message does not lie in the tools. The content of artworks, and the artists activity, their attitudes, not only official but also they way they are everyday – carry the meaning.
Besides producing your artworks also hold the position of lecturer at the ASP Faculty of Intermedia, in Kraków: how does this aspect of your work influence your practice? In particular, have you ever been inspired from your students ' ideas?
The faculty of Intermedia in Cracow is a special place. I feel close to it because of my projects and experiences. But also thanks to the team which creates that place. My official status there is scientifically-didactic, that implicates combining my own artistic work with teaching work. The relations amongst lectures and students are based on partnership. In my teaching work, I try not to make a mistake of my professors, that is to continue the relationship of a master and a student. I am interested in creating common language and working out common insights. That is incredibly stimulating. The energy and devotion of some young artists sometimes bring to my mind my own dilemmas, actions, or similar paths. If something inspires me, then it is the energy to act, to see common questions, which can be answered in an individual way. My work follows its own path and I realise my own ideas. I would like to mention here the work I do as the curator of the Faculty Gallery. I created a series entitled YOU / I which focuses on a co-operation between a lecturer and a student in a given space. This is a platform for joined creation