acrylic, watercolor on paper, 38 x 28 cm, signed p.d. M. Kochanek 2025, framed work.
Gift of the Artist and courtesy of Milano Gallery.
Marta Kochanek shows scenes of everyday life from many years ago, even from half a century ago. She uses photographs from her family album, press photos, old advertisements and stills from old movies as inspiration. Reality from the 1950s, 1960s or 1970s is mixed with the present. The reference to the past is a deliberate effort and an expression of longing. We used to live slower, there was more time for friendships, family, fun. Nowadays, it is increasingly difficult to get inner peace, to calm down, to find one's intimate little world.
The artist opposes the negative influence of the media. Through her art, she tries to provide viewers with positive feelings. She chose a painting form close to pop art. Her paintings resemble coloring books for the youngest children.
In Marta Kochanek's case, everyday events do not require commentary. In most of the scenes she shows groups of people. Their figures are outlined with a precise, thin line. Most of the canvas surface remains white, untouched by the brush. Only selected sections are covered with flat colors. Could it be that the artist is exhibiting unfinished works? No, this is a conscious effort. On the white, unpainted fields we see numbers. These numbers are subordinated to the colors, according to the legend attached to the paintings. The empty spaces are waiting for the intervention of the viewer, they ask for the participation of his imagination.
The seemingly simple and easy art of Marta Kochanek has nothing of naiveté and infantilism in it. It breathes with warmth, humor and pleasant nostalgia, as well as - with some kind of once-not-so-great charm. It also delights with its visual qualities - great drawing and superbly composed frames.
