ANNA HANKOWSKA

The cycles of paintings created between 2012 and 2013

Tripartite compositions framed in the square of 120cm x 120cm

Titles : Interfusion

           Interiors

           Prisms

           A Rift in Red

           Osmosis

Anna Hankowska may seem to strive for a formal objectivity and a mechanistic execution of her paintings . She refrains from excessive emotionality and wanton forays into aestheticism . In fact she gives shape to configurations where individuality , emotions and a unique character are locked in an austere geometric form that dominates but does not annihilate them .

Her paintings are two-dimensional , as they would be , but textural qualities at times serve as an equivalent of the third dimension . However , texture is not the only vehicle for space. Forms and planes in her paintings often become translucent to reveal a deeper background . Shapes may simultaneously appear in a number of planes which is achieved by the overlay technique .

Her colours are often blended from similar shades and yet the composiyion is always clear and precise , balanced and logical . The elements of the composition tend to be restricted and geometrical forms are consistently employed to form the backbone of the painting . Simple geometries of circles , parabolas , arcs , lines , triangles and rectangles make up compositions whose balance is achieved through and alternating use of light and dark forms , rhythm or symetry . Vertical compositions are prefered , as well as circles inscribed in squares . The artist does not strive for the perfection of orchestrated forms but the description of universal phenomena by the forms that she employs in her work .

The dynamic of her painting is achieved through the sailent , sharp shapes at a diagonal of the plane of the painting ( Black Light , 2012 ), an impression of movement within the perimeter of the overlaid planes , or the vibration of subtle colours . The sense of order and clarity is thus preserved , the inner dynamic notwishstanding .

The colours , even if contrasted , always constitute a well-thought out harmony . They build up forms that are transparent and lightly structured , or heavy as consolidated lava , sometimes smooth and metallic . Juxtaposted are the hues of grey , cobalt blues , violets , green greys that contrast with saturated deep reds or antracites . The hues of silver , gold and copper appear as well .

Interiors is a cycle of tripartite compositionsframed in a square .

Interior 3 ( 2013 ) is formed of translucent planes set in perspective . A form reminiscent of a shade is visible in relation to the central piece .

Interior 1 (2012 ) i Interior 2 ( 2013 ) create a sense of space though the depth reminiscent of architectural structures in arc-shaped divisions . Both pictures evoke a feeling of poetic serenity .

The Interfusion cycle relies on the geometry of the cycle . In Interfusion 1 ( 2012 ) and Interfusion 2 ( 2012 ) a sense of space is evoked though silver light radiated by stark objects . Some of the works in ths cycle ( such as Interfusion 3 of 2013 ) are lyrical in nature which is obtained by the subtlety of forms and colours .

The suspension cycle is characterised by large , texture-dominated forms that are more tangible than those found in the other cycles . Their weight and metallic sharpness on the edges may appear to be threatening .

The cycles complement each other and their titles hint at the nature of the experiment that the artist embarked upon .

Anna Hankowska`s paintings comprised in these cycles tend to be closed compositions where space is conceived in terms of multilayered planes , sometimes weightless and misty , at other times metallic and tangible . The colours vibrating with varying frequencies are captured in starkly rigorous shapes and create an illusion of movement . The stark forms , however  , hide a delicate pulse of life , an almost impalpable action . This is the sort of painting that derives from the strive for order and harmony and in itself constitutes an inkling of univwersal harmony in a disharmonious world .