The much-anticipated main exhibition of the Krakow Artistic Meeting Festival (Krakowskie Spotkanie Artystyczne), titled “Identity of Ideas,” took place on May 30, 2025, at 6 PM, at the Palace of Fine Arts in Kraków. Renowned artist Sławomir Zięba showcased his sculpture from the evocative series “Obnażona,” inviting attendees to explore the depths of identity and artistic expression.
Sławomir Zięba is a distinguished alumnus of the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, where he commenced his artistic journey in 2006 at the Józef Kluza State High School of Fine Arts. After graduating with distinction, he pursued his passion for sculpture at the Academy, honing his craft and developing a unique artistic voice. His dedication to his studies and active participation in various workshops and competitions culminated in his graduation in 2016, where he received a diploma distinction showcased at the Palace of Fine Arts in Kraków.
Zięba operates within the realms of sculpture, drawing, and painting, demonstrating a versatile approach that engages with various mediums. His artistic practice is characterized by a deep exploration of themes related to identity and the human experience. Through his diverse body of work, he strives to invoke profound emotional responses in viewers, encapsulating the complexities of existence.
“As an artist, I am deeply engaged in the creative process, captivated by the essence of feminine nature. I strive to create an intimate world of relationships between the nature of beauty and individual vision. I aim for a creative dialogue to be evident in my art, between myself and the model,” Zięba stated.
Zięba elaborates on his approach: “When I sculpt, I follow the form of the evolving body, seeking to breathe life into each arrangement. The sketches I create help me capture the essence of movement, allowing me to approach the subject without limitations. The time dedicated to creative work is particularly precious to me, and I avoid haste. All my senses are focused on the story I wish to convey and express it as fully as possible.”
His main inspiration stems from the human body, profoundly influenced by the energy it emits and the wealth of forms it presents. Zięba emphasizes the crucial role of light in his works—using directed light streams to extract beauty through contrast, shadow, and light. He notes that flat, diffuse lighting does not highlight the anatomical details that lend character to his work. The body’s arrangement is equally significant, aiming to accentuate expression, making it dynamic and alive—sometimes even acrobatic—reflecting the dormant energy within each individual.
“This all translates into composition, the careful arrangement of weights, directions, and vectors,” he adds. “The means of expression must draw the maximum from the tool and be appropriate to the mood and theme of the work. Ultimately, authenticity is an essential factor for me—if not the most important.”
Zięba’s career is marked by numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Poland, enhancing his reputation within the art community. Notable exhibitions highlight his progression as an artist, such as: “Sfera Aktu” at the Gallery (-1) of the Polish Olympic Committee in Warsaw (2019 and 2020), the public sculpture displayed in Miechów, a product of a competition at the Centre of Polish Sculpture in Orońsko, and his inclusion in collective exhibitions such as the IX Christmas Salon at the Palace of Fine Arts in Kraków (2023) and the ARTSHOW at Kamienica Karskich, Kraków (2024).
Zięba’s works are now part of prominent private collections in Poland, Sweden, and the USA, showcasing the international appeal of his art.
Zięba has made notable headway within the art market, collaborating with esteemed galleries and auction houses, including Mazowiecki Dom Aukcyjny, Teutsch Gallery, and Your Art Maison. In recognition of his artistic contributions, he became a member of the Polish Association of Artists (Polski Związek Artystów Plastyków) in 2021, solidifying his status within the artistic community.
The exhibition, “Identity of Ideas,” was a significant event for both the artist and attendees. Zięba presented his powerful sculpture from the “Obnażona” series, a work that emphasizes vulnerability, introspection, and the exploration of self. The exhibit opened within the prestigious walls of the Palace of Fine Arts, located at Plac Szczepański 4, Kraków.
Attendees shared in the stunning reflections of Zięba’s exploration of identity in contemporary art, immersing themselves in the creative experience his work offered.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the artist
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