Karolina Zglobicka, 'Cold Cold War in Blue, in Pink'

My work explores the transparent nature of objects and memories. Born in Poland, and having lived in England before settling in Spain, my journey has profoundly shaped my artistic vision. Relocation and its changes inspire me to delve into themes of displacement, the unfamiliar, and remnants of the past we carry with us. 

In my recent paintings, I examine the physicality and significance of everyday objects, isolating them from their natural environments to emphasise their role in our memories. These often mundane and overlooked objects become central figures in my compositions, reminiscent of staged performances. This isolation highlights the tension between selective memory and pervasive symbolism. 

My inspiration comes from personal and family photographs, as well as items I find on the streets of Valencia where I live now. These seemingly trivial objects are repurposed to create new narratives and connections within my art. By focusing on what we lose, discard, or cherish as keepsakes, I delve into the interplay of memory and symbolism. 

The application of paint on my canvases reflects my fascination with time, capturing its fluidity and the marks it leaves. Through repetitive layers and motifs, and the dissolution of definitive shapes, I challenge the boundaries of figurative painting and theoretical constructs in artistic practice. My work reimagines the past, and explores profound connections between memory, time, and the objects in our lives.

Karolina Zglobicka, is a Polish artist based in Valencia, Spain. She earned her BA(Hons) in Fine Art from the Manchester School of Art, Manchester Metropolitan University, in 2015, following a Foundation Studies program at The Manchester College. She has been longlisted for Jackson’s Painting Prize in 2023 and featured in various editions of Arts In Square magazine. Karolina Zaglobicka has participated in The Other Art Fair organised by Saatchi Art, Beep Painting Biennale at Elysium Gallery, and The Manchester Contemporary. Her work has also been shortlisted for multiple awards, including the Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition and the Secret Art Prize. Karolina Zaglobicka’s art reflects on the intricate relationship between cherished objects and the memories they evoke, prompting the viewer to reconsider their connection with the material world and the passage of time.