Artists of the Gallery Art: Rafał Kostrzewa

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• Rafał Kostrzewa

  Born in 1961 in Warsaw. Studied painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Diploma received in 1987 with Professor Tadeusz Dominik.

• Cubism, fauvism, expressionism – Kostrzewa’s art is a derivative of his fascination with early 20th century avant-garde. A follower of Cezanne, he structures his paintings “by the cylinder, the sphere, the cone”; and of Picasso – he “paints things as he thinks of them, not as he sees them”. He is inspired by works of masters, and by surrounding nature. People and animals, tree leaves, grass, and a stream of water, all seen afresh, blend in on the canvas in an ornamental horror vacui. The effect is fortified with the artist’s characteristic colour palette, strong and full of contrast.