Acrylic Painting
Kasia Frankowicz
Kasia Frankowicz infuses her art with the rich tapestry of her life experiences. Her canvas becomes a mirror of her mood and reflections, a vivid expression of the heart she wears on her sleeve.
Artist Profile
Kasia Frankowicz infuses her art with the rich tapestry of her life experiences. Her canvas becomes a mirror of her mood and reflections, a vivid expression of the heart she wears on her sleeve. Born to refugee parents in Western Sydney, Australia, she now resides in Melbourne where she creates work with a fusion of street culture and pop, a vibrant celebration of the everyday that resonates deeply with viewers.
While some of her pieces delve into the profound layers of her journey, exploring the complexities of her Catholic upbringing and celebrating her identity as an intersectional feminist and a queer artist, others radiate with sheer enjoyment. Not every creation is a deep emotional odyssey; some are as joyful and vibrant as they appear, inviting viewers into a world of fun and lively expression. In each stroke and colour choice, Kasia weaves a tapestry that captures both the lighthearted and profound aspects of her personal story.
Kasia’s talent has garnered acclaim in prestigious publications, such as Art/Edit and as the cover artist for WB40 Magazine. She has taken centre stage at events like The Other Art Fair and Saatchi Art, earning a special place in the pages of Frankie Magazine, Voyage La and a Bluethumb art prize finalist. Recent highlights include her collaboration with the University of New South Wales, painting a lab coat to celebrate physics, and hand-painting 20 cameras for 35mm Co as part of World Pride, Her work serves as a testament to her commitment to meaningful causes and her unwavering dedication to making a difference through art. Kasia Frankowicz’s art radiates the vibrancy of life, a captivating blend of contemporary pop, personal narrative, and social awareness, all brought together with finesse and flair.
Artist Interview
What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?
I work with a variety of mediums, ranging from acrylic and oil slicks to spray paint. I find that this combination infuses my work with vibrancy and an energetic representation of daily life. It's like creating a visual melody where different styles collide, resulting in a dynamic collage that captures the essence of my artistic expression.
How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?
I start my artistic process by capturing photos of things that inspire me and jotting down random words and scribbles in my notebooks. My creative journey involves deciphering these elements, creating backgrounds to set the mood for the work. I like to go in thick and messy because texture is crucial to me; it adds a tangible quality that I adore. I want it to feel like it could pop off the canvas a bit and come to life. Despite initial inspiration, my mood-driven painting style often leads to mid-process changes. As a moody painter, I paint by touch and feel, infusing my work with personal energy. I'm not afraid to paint over a piece entirely if it doesn't resonate with me, even if I've already spent weeks on it. I know it's ready to exhibit or sell when I hang it on my wall and it feels like I can live with the piece. It feels like it belongs in my home and it feels harmonious. If something irks me in the time I hang it in my home, I go right in and change it, and the process starts again. If I can't have it in my house, I wouldn't want it in anyone else's.
Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?
I practically live in my small home studio, a room that some might describe as chaotic, but to me, it's comfortable—like stepping inside my own brain. Paint-stained jars filled with well-used brushes, messy half-used tubes of paint, and a rainbow assortment of spray cans line my shelves. Books, sketch pads, pens, and pencils are scattered about. My two companions, Bandit and Potato, my long-haired dachshunds, usually snooze quietly by my side as I blast music through my headphones or listen to a good book. It might not be everyone's idea of heaven—I can imagine nicer spaces—but it's my little slice of paradise.
Career Highlights
- Collaboration with the University of New South Wales, painting a lab coat to celebrate physics
- Hand-painting 20 cameras for 35mm Co as part of World Pride
- Appearing as a guest on ABC's TV show "Art Works"
