One to Watch

Magdalena Krzak

Magdalena Krzak is an emerging Polish artist currently living and working in Chicago, Illinois, United States. She attended art school in her hometown of Tarnow, Poland before studying at the University of Rzeszow. Magdalena explores different facets of the female experience, including her own, in her paintings. She is driven by emotion, resulting in vulnerable, often nude, female subjects and a spontaneous creation process. Magdalena’s expressive paintings demonstrate her play between abstract and figurative forms, color, and texture.

Magdalena received an Honorable Mention for her works in an exhibition at the Starline Gallery in Harvard, Illinois. She has also participated in several shows in the Chicago area, including the Polish Museum of America and HQ Gallery. Most recently, her paintings were shown at the Copernicus Center in Chicago, Illinois.

What are the major themes you pursue in your work?

I tend to revolve around the feminine subject and attempt to explore different aspects of the female experience. In my work, I gravitate toward my emotions and myself. Very often I do not do that intentionally, but my first idea is not always the one I end up going with.

Every piece contains some elements of my story, experiences, and observations.

I am not afraid of experimenting and changing. I never know which direction I will go. I just let myself be carried away and follow my instincts. This part is the most exciting in the process of creating.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

I have been given a lot of advice, but I think the best ones were: never give up, do not be afraid of experimenting, not everyone needs to like what you do, and just be honest with yourself.

Prefer to work with music or in silence?

I used to always work with music but now somehow I find it distracting, so most likely I paint in silence.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

It is really hard to choose one but I think I would like to have one of Francesca Woodman’s photos. They are very dark but inspiring.

Who are you favorite authors?

Olga Tokarczuk, John Irving, and Augusten Burroughs.