The subject of romantic relationships is nothing new in the art world, but Bartłomiej Kownacki’s paintings displayed at the exhibition “On the Other Side of the Bed” provide it with a fresh outlook. The artist reinterprets love and desire in the context of contemporary culture, pointing to the impact of phenomena such as consumerism, feminism, and climate change on human relations. The focus on modernity becomes emphasised by the exhibition space – #ArsenicArtTemple, a gallery located in the business center of Warsaw. In connection with the upcoming finissage, Patrycja Krześniak, founder of #ArsenicArtTemple, talks about the exhibition, the links between art and corporations, as well as her curatorial work.
Katarzyna Boch: The finissage of an exhibition of works by Bartłomiej Kownacki entitled “On the Other Side of the Bed” is approaching. Despite the sensual language of the paintings their meaning seems to go beyond sexuality. What should the viewer look for on the other side of the bed then?
Patrycja Krześniak: What demons are hiding on the other side of the bed? What does the other person face? What are they thinking about, being so close and yet so far away? The exhibition “On the Other Side of the Bed” refers to the tradition of painting, but above all proves that personal art, thanks to the artist’s experience, is interesting, original and unique. Bartłomiej Kownacki was inspired by such painters as Egon Schiele, with his emotional images treating male-female relations as the main subject, the personal themes in the art of Francisco Goya, Modigliani’s tender portraits, the psychological portraits of Pablo Picasso, or the disturbing nudes of Paul Gauguin. Bartłomiej Kownacki does not allow chance or compromise in his paintings. Every gesture of the artist is deliberate and every brushstroke is intentional. Each work intends to be a masterpiece, which is why it is created over many weeks, months, sometimes years.
KB: The content of the exhibition changes over the course of its duration, so the possibility to see it in its final form will occur at the finissage. What is the idea behind this variation?
PK: The answer is more trivial than you probably assume. The paintings just keep on coming. Bartłomiej is in great creative shape. We have just inserted two new works, straight from under his brush – they still smell of paint. There will be more at the finissage. The subject of relationships is very broad and does not always have to be associated with sad memories. We will also present pleasant, carefree, and pure moments. I hope that each viewer will find a version of themselves from years ago in the exhibition. Or maybe it is now that they are experiencing some crazy romance – going through emotional hell or feeling butterflies in their stomach? The subject of relationships is, after all, a matter that occupies a large, if not the largest amount of our time and energy. We strive for being loved, although sometimes this feeling comes at a high price.
KB: Apart from male-female relations, the exhibition touches on social themes such as capitalism, feminism or ecology. What role does art play in raising social issues?
PK: Bartłomiej Kownacki’s work, full of irony and provocation, through its photorealistic representation of the human body’s beauty, is intended to stimulate critical thinking in the viewer. The artist touches on controversial topics, such as consumerism, feminism or ecology, reaching to the heart of the problem, which often means, up to a point, a looping hypocrisy. Each image in the exhibition can be analysed in terms of relationships, such as looping in consumerism to elevate one’s status as an attractive partner, but also in the context of critical art. The paintings seem to present the theme directly. However, this is an apparent simplification. After the ubiquitous trend towards interpretatively and visually “safe” abstract art, I believe in the return of figurative and portrait painting. Presenting one’s vision through a painting, in an imaginative form, and a carefully planned quality, demonstrates the artist’s highest level of craftsmanship.
KB: The exhibition takes place at the #ArsenicArtTemple gallery, which is a relatively new artistic location in Warsaw, of which you are the founder. What was the idea behind the creation of this place?
PK: The concept of this gallery, or rather the art “temple,” as the full name of the venue is #ArsenicArtTemple, has been developed for years. I was considering it even during my previous life when I worked in the world of corporations. It was difficult for me to understand the sterile idea of a gallery, where upon entering one feels a bit like an intruder. I wanted my space to be teeming with life, and for art to exist there freely because, after all, that is what art is all about – it should be there, accessible for people. At our exhibitions, you can order a drink and listen to music. The paintings might be an end in themselves, a pretext, or a conversation topic during a meeting. In addition, in order to bring art closer to the corporate world, I have chosen a venue in the very centre of Warsaw’s business district.
KB: In your work, you combine art with business, especially in the context of a corporate environment. How do these fields become connected?
PK: Apart from #ArsenicArtTemple, I run the Art2Brand agency, whose mission is precisely to bring art closer to companies, or even introduce it to them. Whether it is an art competition, sales event, packaging design or marketing campaign – I select an artist with a style that fits the company’s particular need. I have already worked on some interesting projects, but for sure these are just the beginnings of conscious art branding in companies.
KB: On what basis do you make decisions to stage a particular exhibition?
PK: Above all, the paintings must appeal to me and I must feel a “chemistry” with the artist. I rely on strong, self-conscious, charismatic people. The art market is a challenge for both the artist and the gallerist, so we need to make a strong team. I still have close relationships with the artists I have worked with in the past. We support each other. I have even managed to create an atmosphere in the gallery that encourages represented artists to support one another, which is what I am most proud of.
KB: What direction do you intend to take in terms of future events held at the gallery?
PK: At the #ArsenicArtTemple vernissages take place approximately every month and you can always count on an interesting accompanying event. When it comes to style, I am interested in contemporary trends, such as pop art, but at the same time I dream of a “typical” portrait or icon exhibition. Today, however, I would like to invite you to the finissage of the exhibition “On the Other Side of the Bed,” which will take place on Wednesday 30th August at 7pm.
“On the Other Side of the Bed”
Bartłomiej Kownacki
28 June – 3 September
#Arsenic Art Temple
Suwak Street 3, 00-999 Warsaw
