Barbara Olszańska-Żywalewska

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Barbara Olszańska-Żywalewska, visual artist, born in 1975 in Łapy (Podlaskie Voivodeship). In 1995 she graduated from the Fine Arts High School in Supraśl, specialization: functional forms, specialization: woodcarving. Studies at the Faculty of Sculpture of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, specialization: medals and small forms. Diploma in 2001 in the sculpture studio under the supervision of professor Edward Sitek. She is a member of the Association of Polish Visual Artists, she is also the founder and member of the group of artists "Group '75". Her artistic interests focus on issues related to the existence of man, his place in the universe and relations with the surrounding world. She draws inspiration for her work from observing the world of people and animals. She practices the following forms of art: painting, sculpture, batik, drawing. Her works can be found in art collections in Poland and abroad. Interests: art history, travel, film, fiction, puppetry. TECHNIQUE: The paintings are created with great attention to detail. Many of the figures in the paintings reflect the influence of graphics and drawing on the artist's painting. In her works, the author maintains harmony and balance, in accordance with the principles of painting composition. The sculptures are made using the "lost wax" technology: first carved in soft material (wax), then cast in brass and subjected to final processing. This technique is extremely time-consuming and requires significant financial outlays (cost of material + casting). Each work is created in only one copy. ABOUT THE WORK: Barbara Olszańska-Żywalewska's individual exhibitions were very well and warmly received by the recipients, including the artistic community. Some of the works have already found their place in art collections in Poland and abroad. Much could be written about the work of Barbara Olszańska - Żywalewska, but in the case of this author, the most important fact is the personal, emotional involvement in the creative process. The works that are created are not commercial, mass products that succumb to temporary fashions. The artist creates what she feels out of an internal need, not what “sells well” at a given moment. In today's commercialized world, there are fewer and fewer such artists. Photos of the works can be viewed at www.olszanska.pl EXHIBITIONS • 2000 Individual exhibition of drawing, graphics and painting at the Voivodeship Cultural Animation Center in Białystok entitled “Metaphorical Theater in Several Versions” • 2002 Exhibition of Young Sculpture in Gdańsk, distinction • 2002 Individual exhibition of painting entitled • 2002 Collective Exhibition of the Association of Polish Visual Artists in the "Marszand" Gallery in Białystok • 2005 Exhibition of the Association of Polish Visual Artists in the "Arsenał" Gallery in Białystok entitled "Biały Salon" • 2005 Individual exhibition of sculpture and batik fabric in the "Marszand" Gallery in Białystok • 2005 Participation in the International Festival of Theatrical and Visual Arts Tczew - Europe "Zdarzenia" • 2006 Individual sculpture exhibition in the Smallest Gallery in the World in Toruń entitled "Solar" • 2006 Collective exhibition of artists from the "Group '75" in the "Spodki" Gallery of the Provincial Cultural Animation Centre in Białystok entitled • 2006 Action of "Group '75" entitled "Awakening", which was part of the Contemporary Art Days festival in Białystok • 2006 Collective exhibition of artists from "Group '75" in the "Salon Uroczysko" Gallery as part of the "Uroczysko" Encounters with Nature and Art in Supraśl • 2007 Collective exhibition of artists from "Group '75" in the "Spodki" Gallery of the Provincial Cultural Animation Centre in Białystok entitled "8th March" • 2007 Collective exhibition of artists from "Group '75" in the "Salon Uroczysko" Gallery as part of the "Uroczysko" Encounters with Nature and Art in Supraśl • 2008 Individual painting exhibition entitled "Anima" in the "Spodki" Gallery of the Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Białystok. • 2009 Collective exhibition of artists from the "Group '75" in the "Spodki" Gallery of the Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Białystok entitled "Desert" • 2019 Individual sculpture exhibition entitled "Atlantis" in the Gallery of the Provincial Center for Cultural Animation in Białystok