Marek Zyga explores his interest towards human anatomy, in its body and gestures. He describes his sculptures like processed images from reality - stories to some extent. Working through experience and observation, the artist tell us how he is inspired by man, and relationships between people. Read the interview to discover more.
Related Articles: Textual Forms by Chryssa, White Balance Exhibition Returns to Madrid and explores the resourcefulness of photography, Threads of Connection: Exploring Adam Chodzko's Multi-Layered Artistic Universe
Kooness: Describe what kind of art you focus on?
Marek Zyga: I create figurative sculptures. I focus primarily on the human figure. Despite the apparent monothematicity, each sculpture is a spectrum of new formal solutions, enclosed in clay - the primary material I use. My sculptures are products of imagination, although they are based on a male or female figure. In my work, I renounce literary and philosophical inquiries, leaving them to the recipient. The works are rather the result of formal searches, they are born from the observation of structures and colors - what is opposite and harmonious at the same time affect me. In this way, it focuses on the human being. I am interested in analyzing human attitudes, emotional behavior. I try to build my works based on fleeting moments, feelings that are difficult to define, emotions that torment each of us, but I try not to comment on everyday life reality.
K: How did you develop your art skills?
MZ: I was always interested in art. As a young boy, I looked through albums with reproductions, read many books on art. When the door to traveling opened after the period of socialism, I visited numerous museums and exhibitions abroad. I absorbed art in its various forms. At some point, I thought about trying to create something myself. I was born and live in Bolesławiec - the city of ceramics. Although the choice of material for work was accidental, I chose clay.
K: What is your favorite medium?
MZ: Chamotte clay was the first plastic material that fell into my hands and to which I am faithful to this day. It is an unusual and fascinating material, above all, it has its non-uniform structure. Through various ways of shaping - pressing, forming and casting, I try to bring out its diversity. A lot of possibilities of forms of expression - it can be crushed, torn, and finally it can be decorated in a variety of ways - using engobes, pigments and glazes. Works made in this material are characterized by a variety of surfaces - it can be smooth, sometimes rough, torn or cracked Clay is a plastic material - thanks to this, it can be freely modeled and create sophisticated shapes, even the most sophisticated ones. Initially, I created small forms - masks, heads. I collected stones and metal waste, which I pressed into a clay skull, creating the first compositions. Then there were torsos, busts and now whole figures. Currently, I also create in bronze. made of clay. Bronze gives more construction possibilities, it is resistant to corrosion. Sculptures can stand in the garden and public space. Art collectors enrich their collections with bronze sculptures. Usually, eight sculptures are cast from one mold. Each is numbered and represents an investment value.
K: What is the purpose of your artwork?
MZ: The main subject of my sculptural interests is human, especially his body and gestures. I look for words in gestures, letters in words that I put in my works. Eyes - hands create a message. I am interested in people, their behavior and reactions. My sculptures are like processed images from reality. in a way, stories. In my work, I try to combine the classic form with modern solutions. On the one hand, I am inspired by ancient sculpture as a form, and on the other by modern design. For me, letters are works of art, symbols. It is a moving part of the world, fascinating and mysterious at the same time, it is not entirely clear where it comes from and where it is going, but it perfectly reflects who we are. It is a symbol of interpersonal communication, which is so important in the modern world. It is also a symbol of struggling with the problems of wars, conflicts and lack of understanding.
Cover Image: Marek Zyga. Strange things have happened. Courtesy of Vecchiato Arte
Written by: Kooness