Idea Generator

 

Idea Generator. From Collegium Maius to Ewigkeitgasse.

Sometimes, the seemingly insignificant events of the past predict the histories and situations that will happen later. Recalled conversations, fleeting moments and images can take on special meanings over time and anticipate what the future will bring. Sabina Woźnica admits that her first encounter with the culture of the east fuses with the experience of childhood – these are memories of the artist’s father traveling abroad and related small items and gifts. And while these first impulses are combined with the most epidermal and fragmentary reception of an object filtered by childhood phantasmagoria, with time, in adult life they transformed into a mature reflection and genuine fascination with this part of the world and its culture. Woźnica’s interests also often resonate with her artistic exploration – they manifest themselves on the one hand with the presence of the elements of spirituality and mysticism in her works, on the other hand they are also works that drift in the direction of active involvement, which comment on current events and issues.
An exemplification of this is the series of prints titled Tibet Will be Free. The title itself already clearly defines the intentions of the artist and the topic addressed. The works, which are intrinsically related to the current reality, are transposed to the role of visual protest and vocal opposition. The slogans within the compositions further reinforce the message of the work. „Flame of truth. Stop self-immolation in Tibet”, “This is not a real fire”, and finally carrying the promise and possibility of change, “Situations change… Systems fall” – these are just some of the visible phrases. The adopted aesthetics of the works correspond to the semantically ideological speech – strong contrasts of black and white, deformation and simplification of form, as well as the non-obviousness of the plastic used. One of the prints was in fact made ​​on a piece of material whose edges determine the rhythm of white fringes. The work thus gains additional value – it becomes an ironic reference to the forms of propaganda tapestries. Displaying the prints can also be read in a broader context – not just as a commentary on current events, but generally a reference to the ideas of freedom and individual rights of self-determination. This aspect is even revealed in the Letter about Peace, written in a personal tone and containing private references.
Works from the series Idea Generator are an attempt to express the nature and complexity of certain concepts and meanings by means of the language of painting, including the paintings titled Memory and Identity, presented for the first time, both created using a canvas from an old painting. The artist herself describes these projects: „This project [Idea Generator] is very strongly associated with my personal experiences, as well as Buddhist philosophy. First of all, they are about freedom. Freedom is not an idea, but a human right that must be defined again and again, in different aspects of life.” These images operate on the border of the visible – they are dominated by forms having no references to specific shapes and objects are at best loosely suggested. The language of abstraction is combined here with interesting material and textural techniques. Paint laid down with sweeping brush strokes creates interesting roughness and unevenness. The artist also uses a repertoire of techniques used in material painting – wood chips, ash, wax and pieces of fabric. Ultimately, however, the colour becomes a part of the cohesive whole and determines the final product, which is also revealed in many of her earlier works.
The work of Sabina Woźnica is suspended between the „here and now” and the desire to tackle a more general and universal significance. In conjunction with interesting formal techniques, sensitivity to colour and material creates an intriguing style for the young artist.
Natalia Żak