Q&A with Walenty Wróblewski
Walenty's spontaneous and narrative paintings were introduced to KMA in early 2020. His career spans over four decades which is evident in his rich, expressive paintings. We are honoured to be presenting his works and are fascinated to know more about the man and the artist, as I hope you will be.
What is your earliest memory of making art?
It was exactly 1965, so I was only 11, but I have a very vivid memory of it. I did a watercolour depicting the town hall in my hometown. I was given an award for it, and then the painting was displayed at my school. I remember the feeling of appreciation and pride. That was the moment when my conscious love and real interest in art must have been truly born, even though I'd felt a passion for drawing and painting since a very young age.
Describe a typical day in your studio.
The most typical day is to start by looking back at things I've done the day before. It's important for me to get a fresh perspective, so I do a revision, and then I search for new solutions or improvements. Once I've decided the painting is complete, I start sketching new ideas and compositions for my next pieces. When I don't have to go to my teaching job, I try to spend most of my time in the studio – it's my natural environment.
Can you describe the atmosphere when you are creating, and do you listen to anything while you produce, and what would that be?
Music is my other great passion and has always been playing at my studio. I was even the drummer in a band when I was young. I very rarely create in silence. Among my favourite artists are Pat Metheny, David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Sting and The Rolling Stones (British artists really rock!).
One of your main art media is acrylic. Can you explain why this is your preferred medium?
When I studied at university, oil and tempera were my primary media. At that time, acrylic paint wasn't very well known or even available in Poland. Once it appeared, I fell in love with it. Its property of drying fast allowed me to better express myself and reflect my emotions on canvas or paper. Decades of experience with it has given me a greater understanding of its full potential and its limitations.
What inspires you?
I fully trust and follow my intuition. The world is my only inspiration, even though I don't recreate it. I only give suggestions of things that are known. Abstract forms are a consequence of references and inspirations from objects and things. When I look inside myself to see things from my life and experience, I know that there is that "something", that force, or whatever you call it, that needs to be translated onto canvas.
Walenty Wróblewski : Cocoon
Who do you think is the most influential artist in Poland?
Poland has been home to many internationally successful artists like Magdalena Abakanowicz. Wilhem Sasnal, Igor Mitoraj, Roman Opałka, Tadeusz Kantor, Tamara Lempicka and Leon Tarasewicz (who I went to school with), to name a few.
At the moment, Wojciech Fangor is a huge name internationally. My two favourite Polish artists of all time, who inspire me most are Piotr Potworowski and Tadeusz Brzozowski.
Tell us about your work at Maria Curie-Sklodowska University and how you balance it alongside creating?
I started working there over 40 years ago. Teaching art has been very fulfilling and rewarding, but also challenging. It's a very real responsibility. One of the great advantages of being a university lecturer is that it gives me the time and freedom to be an active artist, which truly makes it a dream job.
Many artists have two careers; how important has teaching been to you, and what has it brought to your creative works?
I feel like my personal work in art and teaching career complete with each other. On the one hand, I share my knowledge, skills and experience with students. Still, I gain lots of things from them – creativity, youthful energy, courage, spontaneity, and joy. Constant interaction with students is very stimulating and energising. Very often, their achievements inspire me.
Describe how your works have evolved over the years?
After gaining skills and experiences from academic education, I started looking for my own path and my own way of expressing myself. I moved from a figurative mode of painting to abstract forms. This gave me the ability to reflect on my own emotions. I started painting surreal landscapes, people surrounded with objects and still life, where the main roles were colour, lines and textures. Simultaneously I polished my skills by experimenting with different techniques. The most precedent quality for me has always been colour – the perfect carrier of emotions. I've been following that path since then, balancing between abstract forms and reality. However, that reality is only a source, not a motive. The main thing is the composition of colours and lines that are a sort of hint or a link with the real world. A world that is not depicted in a literal way. The artwork then becomes a story in itself, built from opposites, conflicts, joys and griefs embedded in our existence.
What has been the proudest moment in your artistic career to date?
My first exhibition in the Netherlands was also the first exhibition of my art outside of Poland. It was a moment I will never forget. It was at a time when we had limited access and possibilities abroad because of the Iron Curtain. All of my individual exhibitions have been significant summaries of stages in my career. It's always a moment of confrontation and interaction between the audience and myself, as well. A moment to stop and reflect on what I've achieved and consider which direction and path to take next.
You have a long-established career as an artist; what do you wish someone had told you at the beginning of your artistic journey.
Be brave. If something doesn't go well, try again later. Have strength, courage and patience for things to come. Don't be afraid of mistakes. Even if things don't move as quickly as you'd wish, you are still ahead of those who don't try, so keep moving forward. The most important thing is always doing what you love and staying true to yourself.
You indicate that your work is a series of stories; what story would you like to share with us about your works?
I wish to give people joy, hope and happiness with my series and stories, especially in the tough times that we're all facing at moment. Even though I have been doing art for so long, I am confident I still have a lot to share with people. I believe the best is yet to come!
Walenty Wróblewski : Long Time, No See