Featured Artist
Leszek Sokol





In Leszek Sokol’s art we step into a fantastic tale which takes us back to a distant dream, located somewhere in our childhood. Just like in any enchanted realm, the angelic figures drag us into an anti-gravitational universe, in which everything is magically driven upwards, as if it is pushed by an invisible stream of hot air that challenges the laws of physics.

Everything is light, everything flows and floats within unique metaphysics, where Leszek rewrites its principles and foundations, altering its laws and introducing a new reality and philosophy.

The light doesn’t seem to come from the sky, emanating instead from the bodies and the objects in a magnificent way, spreading itself without leaving any trace or shadow in a transcendental manner. The atmosphere is as diffused as it is absorbing, appearing hot and cold simultaneously. The deep, warm and seductive colors transmit an apparent quietude in a landscape that goes beyond the painting’s frame. 





The perspective’s distortion is as captivating as it is delicious, making the characters even more ludicrous, trapped in a colossal body that flaunts huge contrasts. The tiny head, hands and feet coat with graciousness and delicacy such ample figures, which are full of feelings and emotions. Despite its strong cartoonish component, stressed by disproportion itself, everything is so delicate and treated with such tenderness that all looks perfect, a pure choreography of aerial ballads which enthrall and bewitch us with romantic and generous feelings.



                                                                         

The wardrobe and the accessories take us back to the beginning or to the middle of the last century, sometimes to more distant eras, such as the Middle-Ages or the Renaissance. The winter clothing’s textures convey a sensation of comfort and protection in such giant and fragile beings. The houses transport us to dollhouses, designed with an organic trace and harmonious colors, in which the interiors appear to be a perfect setting for any fairytale. The animals have a distinct and proud posture, they are noble and possess a rare intelligence. The trees challenge gravity as if they were hot air balloons, in which the trunks’ contours delicately drag across the canvas, taking our glance upwards with them.

Leszek’s characters celebrate a state of immutable and transcendental grace, sometimes they look directly into our eyes and soul, probably, due to some sort of effect or contagion, they make us lighter to the point where we feel ourselves floating some feet above the ground.

Pedro Boaventura



                     

 

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Featured Artist Interview

How was your style born?

I think it’s exactly the same as making music or writing poetry. It’s inside you and you need to put it on paper or canvas. Of course the world where I grew up in has influenced me, but character and personality is the master here.

What kind of emotions do you have when you are painting?

I only paint during the day. While I work, I listen to a lot of music, which is different depending on my mood or subject I am working on. Music is my muse, supporting my creativity and inspires me. Creation is one of the most annoying things, which I do with a great pleasure.

How would you describe your artwork to someone who has never seen it?

Are there such people? Just joking ;) I can’t do that. Paintings are for viewing just like music is for listening.

What is the message behind your work?

Definitely I mean to create a climate, an atmosphere, a certain aura, which my audience will like and identify with. When I paint I imagine myself in this unreal world, which I am very close to. I think that deep inside me I am little boy who fondly believes in magic and Santa Claus.

Your artwork transmits a lot of sensibility, serenity and poetry. What best describes you?

In the era of overwhelming rudeness, vulgarity and lack of any type of moral brakes, people are looking for something that will make them calm and experience something positive. Something warm, joyful and maybe a little nostalgic awakens in them, which are always nice feelings for the heart. I wish for my paintings to have that exact role.

How has painting influenced your life?

I think that it influenced my life positively. I have a wonderful wife and daughter and an amazing family, but painting is also my great love. I am one of people who like Mondays. I don’t have a boss above me, so being a professional free man, I use this freedom with my loved ones.
 

What is the artwork you are most proud of? Why?

I have many artworks which I consider finished.  Today, I also have many that I might not sell. I hope that the best artwork is still ahead of me.

What do you dream of?

I few years ago, I painted figures levitating over a meadow blowing bubbles. I call it “Holy Peace”. I think this is one of my most important dreams. I therefore wish all the supporters of my work peace and joy in everyday life.

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