Agnieszka Nienartowicz
Artist Statement
Her hyper-realistic oil paintings, inspired by the Old Masters of the Renaissance, skillfully employ chiaroscuro techniques to conjure a sense of profound depth. Yet, it is not just her brushwork that carries depth; it is her compositions and narratives that are rich with symbolism. Nienartowicz's canvases exude an aura of sensuality and mystery, inviting us into serene and intimate settings inhabited by tattooed women in strong and fearless poses. Through her work, she grants us a glimpse into a clandestine realm of enigmatic puzzles and concealed thoughts.
What distinguishes Nienartowicz's art are the signature figures she meticulously crafts. These elegant personae, adorned in elegant attire, bear bodies and faces adorned with tattoos, often featuring religious iconography. This striking visual commentary illuminates the societal roles imposed upon women by the Catholic Church. By overlaying these revered symbols atop her portraits, the artist deftly strips these narratives of their biblical weight and patriarchal values.
Biography
Agnieszka Nienartowicz (b. 1991), is an artist living and working in Kraków, Poland. Nienartowicz earned her Master of Fine Artsartistic from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, Poland. Her work has been shown in numerous exhibitions, including the recent "Agnieszka Nienartowicz: Sweet Burden" at Nicodim Annex in Los Angeles (2023, solo); "MATERNITY LEAVE: NONE OF WOMEN BORN," curated by Ben Lee Ritchie Handler at Nicodim in collaboration with the Green Family Art Foundation in Dallas (2023); and "Dream State" at Stolen Space Gallery in London (2023). Her paintings are included in many private collections as well as public collections such as the Museum of Gdańsk, The Bennett Collection, and the Hilton group. Nienartowicz clinched 3rd place in the 5th Painting Triennial "ANIMALIS" in Chorzów, Poland, in 2020.
Celestial Bodies, 2020
Oil on Canvas, 27.5" x 19.5"