Karol Kochanowski
LandE scape
CONTEMPORARY ART REVIEW suggest the viewer familiar spaces, what gives them a feeling of the invitation; it’ s a kind of way I attract an audience to step in to my world.
Over the years your works have been exhibited internationally in several locations, including London and New York: one of the hallmarks of your work is the capability to create direct involvement with the viewers, who are urged to evolve from a condition of mere spectatorship. So before leaving this conversation we would like to pose a question about the nature of the relationship of your art with your audience. Do you consider the issue of audience reception as being a crucial component of your decision-making process, in terms of what type of language is used in a particular context?
I make it cleat that my art is not“ for artists only” type thing; I do my best to reach audience on any possible level of perception. I am aware of a right balance between visual aesthetics and ideology behind the work, but it’ s not a rule. The picture comes first and that’ s enough for me, I don’ t want to force any meanings, ideology to anyone. It’ s up to audience if they want to go deeper to learn the backstage of my visual practice. I can hear opinions, that viewer wants to keep the veil of unknown, what as they say, preserve from ruining the visual experience and keep it magical.
I am constantly learning about myself from my painting. It often happen that image appears first; the explanation might come days or even months after the painting is done. My practice is a semi subconscious process, it occurs that viewer with its feedback open my own eyes and help me to understand my own artwork. I can compare it to situation when psychologist reads and analyze child’ s doodling. I listen carefully to my audience; it is indeed an important part of my creative process.
Thanks a lot for your time and for sharing your thoughts, Karol. Finally, would you like to tell us readers something about your future projects? How do you see your work evolving?
My recent exhibition“ therapy” was a definite success. I continue working on ideas I have touched at this stage. Invisible character of mental disorders and lack of help or even information about the illness is a serious matter I want to raise awareness of by some form of social engagement. Meanwhile I continue working in my studio on blurring boundaries between abstract and figurative.
An interview by Katherine Williams, curator and Josh Ryder, curator landescape @ europe. com
Photographer: http:// siwkophotography. com /