Kasia Wrona shares her 33-year profound artistic journey with an exhibition at the Lagos Cultural Centre
Kasia Wrona recently reflected on her profound journey in the arts, marked by her latest exhibition at the Centro Cultural Lagos (Lagos Cultural Centre).
The exhibition’s title – Catarina, Katarzyna, Kasia Wrona Uma Pessoa (or Catarina, Katarzyna, Kasia Wrona One Person) – encapsulates the multi-dimensional nature of Wrona’s work, a culmination of 33 years of artistic exploration.
Throughout her career, she has adopted different names in various creative contexts, much like the renowned Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa, who famously wrote under multiple pseudonyms without losing his core identity.
Wrona’s artistic evolution is similarly characterised by distinct phases, each marked by a unique signature.
However, she asserts that these names are secondary to the true essence of her artistic development.
Wrona’s journey is shaped by the places, inspirations, and techniques that subtly intertwine to form her artistic identity. Whilst the works displayed in her exhibition are not presented chronologically, she recalls that drawing was the first technique she consciously embraced.
Initially focused on the anatomy of the human and animal body, her drawings delved deep into her imagination, touching on her most intimate emotional experiences.
Over time, drawing became more than just a medium – it evolved into a form of meditation. She often returns to this foundational technique, viewing it as the bedrock of all other art forms.
The vibrant and sometimes tumultuous environment of Portugal has had a significant impact on Wrona’s palette. The country’s dramatic landscapes, from wildfires to rainstorms and everyday life, have infused her work with vivid colours and dynamic expressions. The Algarve, with its unique coastal light, has been particularly influential. It was here that she developed her ultraviolet paintings, capturing three-dimensional effects that reflect the intensity of the region’s colours, forms, and themes.
Her paintings often feature watchful eyes – symbols of observation, awareness, and alarm. Wrona suggests that these elements offer subconscious answers, manifesting in shapes, signs, and sounds. She believes that how one interprets this knowledge depends on their readiness to receive it. Drawing a parallel with Frida Kahlo, who famously used her art to express pain, Wrona sees her own work as a way to channel and release her suffering.
For her, art is not only a means of expression but also a therapeutic process. It allows for the release of deep emotions, self-assessment, and healing. This, she believes, affirms the artist’s purpose and the message they strive to convey.
For over a decade, Kasia Wrona has shared her expertise through teaching drawing classes at the Art Academy Marina de Lagos. Her influence extends beyond the classroom as she continues to inspire creativity by hosting cultural events in the region.
The exhibition Catarina, Katarzyna, Kasia Wrona Uma Pessoa will be on display at the Lagos Cultural Centre until October 27.
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