More than 6 months ago I became one of eight artists, who became part of the Westway Arts & Culture Artist Commissions Program. The goal of this program is to support local artists. “This year we’ve commissioned eight exciting artists who are researching and developing new work that imaginatively responds to themes related to ‘place’.”

From the beginning I have known, that this program is a good spot for me. I am already living in the neighborhood for 6 years and it was the right time to look back and re-seen all places, see them again with a fresh eye. This is the reason why I called my project Re-Seen.

My approach was simple and let’s say… traditional. I went out with my sketchbook and started to sketch. After I was re-sketching, and re-sketching. During this process I could actually realize why particular places caught my attention in the first place. Once again I understood that in order to see something I have to draw it.

Another aspect in this project were emotions. In order to really re-seen places I had to be honest with myself. Uncover emotions even if they were difficult to deal with. During this project I discovered, that the last 6 years were not so easy and colorful for me as houses on Portobello Road. It may seams weird, that I didn’t notice it earlier. But in the stream of life you live, act and react. Sometimes there is no time to reflect. Especially when you live in a very busy, colorful, loud and demanding city. I was surprised to see lot of nostalgic feelings and sadness in my own artworks. But it is a beauty of art, isn’t it? If you are honest with your art, it will tell you more than you think.

Additionally to digital paintings, which are the final artworks, I am preparing projections of black and white analog pictures. This was a really great idea. I used to love taking pictures, but for some years now I haven’t done it. This project “forced” me to bring from Poland my old analog camera called Zenit and undusted it carefully. Its very interesting how your hands remember camera, even if you don’t. My fingers instinctively find the way to the right places. They knew automatically which button to push, were to hold… Very interesting. 
And the most amazing part, the moment after few weeks of taking pictures when your film has been developed and you impatiently check if there is something on it…

Now, emotions slow down, the major part of work is done. It is just few days before exhibition. Artworks has been printed, framed, nicely packed and are ready to be delivered to Muse Gallery. When I look back I see that this project was not easy for me, but I guess art shouldn’t be easy. It should be a struggle, battle with yourself, your possibilities, battle which at the end of the day makes you very happy.

Exhibition 3-8 MARCH 2020
The Muse Gallery, 269Portobello Road, W11 1LR London