Today we’d like to introduce you to Anna Wypych.
Hi, Anna. We’re so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk and then began taking my first steps in the art market in Poland. However, I wanted more; I felt it wasn’t enough for me, so I started searching further for my place. After many adventures, I was at Principle Gallery and instantly felt at home. I sensed that this was a welcoming and positive place for me. Around that time, my first painting was in the museum collection at MEAM in Barcelona. Just moments before, I had decided to embrace a realistic style, choosing to move in that direction in my artistic journey. The first artwork in a museum and the first collaboration with a gallery in America affirm that it was a good decision. I continue to enjoy working with both the Museum and Principle Gallery to this day.”
I’m sure it had its obstacles, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course not! Along the way, there were plenty of stressful situations and obstacles to overcome. There were also more mundane challenges besides the complex ones, like finding my own style and creative language. For example, shipping paintings from Central Europe to the USA was a real challenge! It’s not a problem anymore, but initially, I was quite anxious about my paintings during their travels. Each is highly realistic and filled with intricate details, which takes time. If something happened to a painting in transit, I would lose significant time dedicated to creating it. Now, I have a reliable shipping method. Of course, packing is also crucial; I use three types of foil: building foam, cardboard, and styrofoam boxes.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m Anna Wypych, a contemporary painter based in Gdynia, Poland. My artistic journey is marked by a commitment to exploring various themes and concepts, resulting in a diverse and ever-evolving style. The foundation of my work lies in my extensive readings of poetry and philosophy, which deeply influence and enrich my paintings. Specializing in painting, I initially ventured into the art world with large-format multi-figure paintings that went beyond realism, incorporating duplications and transformations from 2007 to 2012. This phase involved intricate arrangements of figures metaphorically conveying ideas and emotions. As time passed, I transitioned to a new theme—inner strength and positivity. From 2013 to 2021, portraits of women with strong gazes and characters became prevalent in my work.
My creative path is defined by a willingness to embrace change and seek new challenges. I prioritize total artistic freedom, allowing myself to explore different themes and styles. Alongside my recurring theme of portraying strong women with expressive looks, I delve into series exploring the elements of sea/water, fire, and duplication. Shorter series like “Boson,” “Be/have,” “Feast,” and “Ero” showcase my ability to immerse myself in specific themes, emotions, or moods.
My achievements include notable awards, such as the Best of Show and Pioneer in Realism awards at the 2020 International Guild of Realism and the Purchase Award at the 14th International ARC Salon by the Art Renewal Center in 2019. My works are in the permanent collections of prestigious institutions like the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain, the Muskegon Museum of Art in Muskegon, USA, the National Museum in Gdansk, and some other museums in Poland.
In the realm of exhibitions, I’ve presented my works at several juried exhibitions, including “ARC salons,” “Figurativas,” “Modportrait,” “BP Portrait Award,” and the “Beautiful Bizarre Art Prize.” My paintings have been featured in prominent art magazines such as American Art Collector, Beautiful Bizarre Magazine, and International Artist, where I graced the cover in issue #136 (12/2020). Beyond my artistic pursuits, I’ve also made a mark as an assistant in the painting studio of the Rector of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk, Krzysztof Polkowski, for the year 2023.
My artistic journey is characterized by a dynamic and evolving style, a willingness to explore diverse themes, success in receiving accolades and having my works included in prestigious collections and international exhibitions. The seamless integration of intellectual influences into my visual art sets me apart as an artist who brings depth and thoughtfulness to my creations.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those just starting.
That’s a great question because I’ve just started working at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk. Professor Krzysztof Polkowski, the Rector, invited me to work in his painting studio for a year. It’s a studio where I collaborate with students about to complete their studies and those who need advice like that the most. Here are three pieces of advice:
- Work a lot, but work smart—don’t push yourself unnecessarily. Sometimes, you can push yourself a bit but can’t sustain that kind of work for years. In the long run, balance is crucial.
- Listen to and learn from others, but remember that independent thinking is paramount. Ultimately, you decide what to do with your creativity and career. What is true for others may not be true for you; you might be the exception. Following others’ words too closely might cause you to miss an essential part of yourself.
- Set ambitious goals for yourself, but prioritize your mental well-being; you will only go so far with it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annawypych.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wypychanna/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063528640503
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@annawypychart?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2_new_paintings_arc_soon_studio_sale&utm_term=2022-11-04
Image Credits
“Zwierzok / Creature” oil on canvas 20x28inch 50/70cm 2023, Anna Wypych “Flaming but not burnt” oil on panel 12x24inch 30/60cm, Anna Wypych The Principle Gallery “Let yourself” oil on canvas and panel 12×16 inch 30/40cm 2023, Anna Wypych The Principle Gallery “Slow” oil on canvas 20x28inch 50 / 70cm 2023, Anna Wypych “Close your eyes” E6 oil on canvas 20x28inch 50 / 70cm 2022, Anna Wypych “The Vestals – protectors of inner fire” oil on canvas 39.5 x 27.5 inch 100/70cm, Anna Wypych 2019 “Playing with food.” Feast 2, oil on canvas 16x39in 40/100cm 2021, Anna Wypych “Nice” Feast 3, oil on canvas 16x24in 40/60cm 2022 Anna Wypych
