Anna Maria Kasprzak: making life better, prettier and more interesting
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this short article we meet visual artist, Anna Maria Kasprzak, from Poland.
How did find out about Whistle project and why did you decide to participate?
On Facebook, in a group featuring open calls for artists. I decided to participate because it was a great opportunity to collaborate with artists from other disciplines.
What intrigued you?
The topic, because legends and magical stories are one of my biggest inspirations. Furthermore, the possibility of participating in an international collaborative project.
What was your workflow?
At first I had a look at the materials provided and learned about the theme, trying to find connections with my own world. Then I made some pencil sketches and tried to figure out how my characters could work as a poster, as this was the medium I was interested in since the beginning.
What was your artistic style, any influences?
I was inspired by old xylographies depicting Silesian legends as well as modern linocut. I wanted to achieve similar effect using digital media.
Do you believe in superstitions?
I do not. I believe in willpower. However, I enjoy some rituals and stories connected with certain superstitions.
What do you want people to see in your works?
I would like viewers to get a glimpse of the story, its main characters and the atmosphere.
Can you make a comment on the idea of collective storytelling?
I find it really interesting to do so, as this is the way traditions pass on from generation to generation, with every participant contributing their own perspective.
Why should people support this project?
Because cultural exchange enriches the whole society.
Why go to the exhibition?
It’s a unique event that we don't see often. It’s better than watching sports on the TV or videos of pets on Youtube!
Tell us a few words about the work you submitted to Whistle. How it is related to the story?
I have portrayed the main characters and the atmosphere of the story.
What is visual art for you?
Something that makes life better, prettier or more interesting, as well as a platform for authors to share their inner life with the community.
Why did you become a visual artist?
Because I love painting since childhood and art is a second nature to me.
The art samples presented in each interview, belong to each artist's personal pre-existing portfolio and not represent submitted work, to WHISTLE project. The later, will be presented to the public during the official exhibition.
Anna Maria Kasprzak (Katowice, Poland, 1991). Visual artist, painter and installation maker. Graduated in MA at Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice. Erasmus scholarship beneficiary in Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain, where she is currently enrolled in doctoral studies. Her works have been presented at a number of group exhibitions and art festivals in Poland and Spain, and lately at Young Art. Show in Slovakia. and Refresh Festival in Italy. Lives in Cuenca, Spain. In 2018 resident resident in NauEstruch, Sabadell, Spain and CreArt in Kaunas , Lithuania. Member of SDA (Surface Design Association)