March, 2006

Paintings of Energy by Artur Popek at 1112 Gallery

The Society for Arts begins a celebration of the 25th anniversary of its activities (earlier as the Foundation of Friends for Polish Museums) with the exhibition of Artur Popek, one of the Society's favorite Polish artists. More than twenty works on canvas completed in the recent two years make the show called Paintings of Energy which opens on March 24, 2006 in 1112 Gallery (1112 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago).

Artur Popek has gained a worldwide reputation mainly as an author of unique microscopic prints executed most often in various metal techniques. The perfectly made miniatures are composed with extraordinary precision and attention to numerous details. Characterized by allusion and ambiguity they indicate a surrealistic vision of the world.

However, for over four years the artist has concentrated on painting. And its original qualities bring him increasing popularity both in Europe and the United States. A renowned Polish art critic Lechoslaw Lamenski writes about Popek's paintings: On one hand, his new works are a successful attempt of saturating the magic world of signs and forms existing in his graphics since the 1980's with a meaningful color. On the other hand, the artist creates the construction of painterly compositions only, which have nothing in common with his hitherto existing graphics.

The later group in particular contributes to a uniqueness of the new show of Popek's painting.
His new canvases distinguish themselves with a fascinating texture combined with a pursuit for its color equivalent. The artist uses a splash of color devoid of the earlier outline. And he is able to obtain a perfect order. One can say, his search for and construction of the order within a painting - order of themes, things, details, colors, textures - constitutes a kind of artistic message. In his well-disciplined and calm painting he makes a stand against a chtonic mess of everyday life. From the order, concentration, and discipline emerges the energy Popek tries to convey to a viewer of his theatrum. Such distinctive energy may be also considered a major criterion of outstanding works of contemporary art.

In the 2006 North American tour Artur will show his works in Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles.
The artist will appear at the opening on Friday, March 24th from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. He will answer questions and sign copies of the exhibition catalogue.

The gallery accepts orders and reservations of all exhibited works which will be available to corporate and individual buyers upon the show's conclusion.

1112 Galleries are open to a general public Tuesday to Sunday from noon to 6:00 pm. Closed on Monday and on days of special events. Admission is free.