'Panoramix'
Monster Linocut Print / 2022 / 170x100 cm
This linocut, "Panoramix," is a monumental piece of work by Aga Kubish, showcasing remarkable craftsmanship and dedication. Spanning 170x110 cm, it is not only a technical feat but also a deeply evocative artwork.
Analysis of the Artwork
The print depicts an expansive interior of a lush tropical environment, likely inspired by historical greenhouse architecture such as the iconic palm houses in Kew Gardens in London. The strong emphasis on foliage and the intricate patterns of plant forms give the work a sense of vitality and immersion. The perspective invites the viewer to look upward and through the foliage, creating a layered depth. The architectural structure of the greenhouse arches above the dense greenery, contrasting the organic forms of plants with the rigid lines of the glass and metal frame.
Technique:
Linocut printing, especially at this scale, demonstrates extraordinary control and precision. The detailed carving of individual leaves, textures, and shading shows Kubish's mastery over the medium. The monochromatic palette enhances the contrast, emphasizing light and shadow, which contribute to the atmospheric quality of the scene.
Style and Influences:
Art Nouveau: The flowing organic forms, particularly the curves and interwoven patterns of the foliage, echo the Art Nouveau movement, which often drew inspiration from nature.
Japanese Woodblock Prints: The meticulous attention to detail and the use of negative space resonate with the aesthetics of Japanese ukiyo-e prints.
Romanticism: The grandeur of nature and the emphasis on its overwhelming beauty link this work to Romantic ideals.
Contemporary Printmaking: Kubish's work fits into the broader context of modern printmaking, where traditional techniques are reimagined in large-scale, ambitious projects.
Interpretation:
The piece symbolize humanity's relationship with nature. The greenhouse setting suggests a controlled environment where wild growth is nurtured, reflecting both admiration for and dominance over the natural world. The interplay between the organic and the manmade elements could represent a dialogue between culture and nature, harmony and control. The artist might be exploring themes of preservation, adaptation, and coexistence. The sheer size of the print demands the viewer's attention, creating a sense of being enveloped by the scene. This immersive quality might encourage reflection on the overwhelming power and beauty of nature, even when contained within human boundaries.
Artist's Intention:
Given Kubish's background and practice, the intention has been to celebrate the intricacies of nature while drawing attention to its fragility. By dedicating two months to carving and presenting the work in a limited edition, Kubish emphasizes the value of patience, observation, and the handmade process in an era of mass production. The title, "Panoramix," suggests a comprehensive view, inviting the audience to consider the interconnectedness of natural and human-made worlds.
EXHIBITIONS:
2024: SOLO Exhibition 'Silent Narratives', ART GALLERY & STUDIO by Aga Kubish, Weston-super-Mare
2024: The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists, RBSA Print Prize biennale exhibition, Birmingham
2023: 118th Open Exhibition / Bath Society of Artists / Victoria Art Gallery / Bath
2023: RE Original Prints 2023 / Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers / Bankside Gallery / London
AWARDS:
2024: The Highly Commended certificate at RBSA Friends Exhibition in Birmingham
2023: Canns Down Press Prize for a recently graduated or newly appointed artist to the RE / RE Original Prints 2023 / Bankside Gallery / London
PUBLICATIONS:
Somerset Life April 2024
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 2023
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 2023
Aga Kubish Studio 2024
Aga Kubish Studio 2024
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 2023
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 2023
Victoria Art Gallery, Bath 2023
Aga Kubish Studio 2024
Heart of the Tribe, Glastonbury 2022
