02.06.2006
ANDRZEJ MASIANIS, Poland ❧
"SERIES: HOMAGE TO THE YOUNG, THE NEW & THE EXCEPTIONAL CREATIVE TALENTS AROUND THE WORLD"
READ THIS FIRST: All images here are COPYRIGHT PROTECTED. You are advised to contact the artist direct for permission to re-produce any of his/her images. Contact details are available at the end of this article, or in absence thereof, please contact the Editor at Blue Mango TV.
"Angel And Crown"Andrzej
Masianis work attracted me because of the current theme of "Angels" he
has decided to focus on recently, and this subject matter is really a
personal favourite of mine.
Masianis's execution is reminiscent of Gothic manuscripts and works of art especially in the majestic and glorious styles of Albrecht Dürer and Gustave Doré where one is given to perceive concepts of immense beauty yet horrifying doom and suffering in a religious or faith related scene. The images capture and bring to us something heavenly and spiritual yet tangible and magnificent when the use of the shadows, lights and lines are manipulated to full advantage and impact.
Masianis's execution is reminiscent of Gothic manuscripts and works of art especially in the majestic and glorious styles of Albrecht Dürer and Gustave Doré where one is given to perceive concepts of immense beauty yet horrifying doom and suffering in a religious or faith related scene. The images capture and bring to us something heavenly and spiritual yet tangible and magnificent when the use of the shadows, lights and lines are manipulated to full advantage and impact.
"Visions of Apocalypse"Masianis explains: "In my drawings, I attempt to return to the classically simple formula of artistic expression which refers to the historical styles of the baroque and the gothic art and one which, in my opinion, may move contemporary audiences. In my works, I often refer to the subject of the Last Judgment."
Masianis is influenced, as he further adds, by writing - theological, biblical texts, fantasy writing and even science fiction films. Although his works refer to biblical themes, Masianis doesn't consider himself a religious artist: " The kind of artwork which is typical of religious art seems to me rather churchy and schematic. Christian subjects are very close to me but my work isn't restricted to them exclusively."
"Angel Michael"I ventured to ask Masianis myself some more questions regarding his work:
What were you inspired by in your early years as an artist? And these days, what inspires you?Masianis is a graduate of the Fine Arts Faculty at the Nicolus Copernicus University in Toruń. He obtained a scholarship from the Tadeusz Kulisiewicz Foundation, and was awarded the second place in 1998 at the Polish Drawing Biennale of Fine Arts in Katowice University. In 2001, Masianis received an award from the President of Toruń for work he submitted in a contest in 2000.
Masianis: An inspiration for me were interiors of churches and also sculpture, especially Berinini and the interior of Vatican Basil. In minor works – "Cycles with Angels" - there is the creations of Dürer and Dore."George And Dragon"
By referring to their works I want to create my own style. I like the creations of early masters very much as I find them more interesting than most of modern art.
From contemporary and living artist I like the creations of Giger and in Poland Starowiejski and Beksiński who has passed away.
Apart from early art, the environment is also an inspiration – interiors of forests and primeval forests, old trees."Angels"
What is the art scene like in Poland, tell me something about your life there and your real world.
Masianis: The artistic scene in Poland is, in some sense, big, because there is often many, almost unknown artists. On the other hand, it is small because very few of them make a living from their artistic creations due to the low income of Polish inhabitants.
Do you find it hard to prepare your work? How long do you normally take for one complete drawing?"Playing Angel III"
Masianis: While creating my own works there are moments when I feel at ease with the process of realisation, but at the same time, I experience tremendous effort and tiredness. I work most eagerly during the nights and late afternoons, never right after awakening."Archangels Cherubin III"
The creation of a single work of 100cm x 70cm format – a picture made by a drawing pen or acrylic takes about 3 weeks, whereas a picture of 30cm x 40cm format takes 3 to 4 days.
What projects are you working on?
Masianis: Right now I am working on two acrylic paintings, the reproduced work I will showcase in two weeks through my website."Archangel IV"
One of the painting is a 184cm x 64cm format and it presents an Angel.
For the beauty that Masianis brings to us from an old world that once was able to move and touch generations of people, we should do what we can to support this incredibly gifted artist from Poland - it would be uplifting in a way to know, in our own way, we can play guardian "angel".
editor@bluemango.tv