VIENNA | AUSTRIA
In the artistic universe of Dominika Stanczak, where painting, writing, and spirituality intertwine, we encounter a unique expression of art. Born in Poland but shaped by a mosaic of cultures and experiences, Dominika represents a contemporary artist who transcends conventional boundaries, aiming to explore and express deep personal and universal truths. Her life, akin to her works, reflects a rich tapestry of cultures and introspection, making her a true artistic nomad in an endless quest for the essence of existence. Through this conversation, we discover how art not only shapes her world but also how she, as an artist, crafts her own life into a masterpiece.
Can you tell us more about yourself? How did you begin your artistic journey, and what inspired you to engage in various forms of art?
My name is Dominika Stanczak. Although I was born in Poland, I have always been quite nomadic in nature. From very early on, I knew I wouldn't stay in the Slavic cultural realm forever. I felt as if I belonged to the whole world, not to one specific region, culture or religion. As a child, I moved to Germany with my parents, to return after some years. The urge to leave my home country had been even stronger after that. At the age of twenty, I moved to Denmark to attend a folk high school specializing in Mixed Arts. I had the possibility to study theatre, philosophy, abstract art, and dance, both in theoretical and practical terms. After that fascinating period, I continued with Academia in Poland to explore the intellectual side of my creative being while working on and then defending a doctoral thesis, yet very artistic, on performative identities in the Institute of Cultural Studies.
Different personal life circumstances brought me to Vienna in 2011, which has become my love and home since then. It is so interesting to respond to a question about who I am. We can talk about my name, date and place of birth, nationality, all the studies I did, and the titles I received. All of which I am, of course, very proud of, hence, these are important issues, but we are all so much more. We are, and that’s actually the most beautiful thing. We are here, on Earth, and there is no single day I spend without being thankful for this amazing human experience. Our life is, should be, an artwork itself, as we all are. I am an artwork, too, which I state with the highest humility. I mean that I live and intend to create not only artworks but myself and my life as well. The fact of being alive is the main factor which inspires me to explore furthermore the whole intricate realm of art and the process of creation using not only one but many different tools like colours turning into paintings, words turning into poetry, and my human body turning into performance.
How have your experiences in different countries and cultures (Poland, Germany, Denmark, Austria) shaped your artistic expression? Is there a particular aspect of any culture that has had a significant impact on you?
I regard myself as a spiritual nomad, someone who has never been rooted in any specific culture, having rejected religion and the prevalent mentalities I was immersed in. Culture has been something I didn’t want to be shaped by, as I noticed that societal norms and their frames rather block than expand my artistic expression. I have been searching for my answers in nature and spirituality, which is totally different from any kind of religion, releasing and expansive in its forms, my two big homes. I even think that the connection we develop with nature and spirituality is now, within the generation of millennials I belong to, a cultural tendency, a new rising, non-conforming “culture” deprived of geographical connotations. Interestingly, I have a very special relationship with the German language. Although it is not my mother tongue, it is closer to my heart than Polish. Nevertheless, the language I adore above all, is the language of art, a language deprived of words, full of translucent and universal symbols of the soul.
Your work encompasses painting, writing, and even academic research. How do you balance between these different forms of artistic expression, and how do they communicate with each other in your creative process?
I have never considered different art forms as being in conflict. Instead, I have always seen a chance for dialogue in their mutual interference. Paintings are, for me, full of poetry, and poetry is full of visual possibilities. Paintings are stories told with colours that help me to find the right words to express a concept or just a thought. A piece of poetry is sometimes a path that leads me to a new painting. They are best friends and live with me under one roof. Both tools support each other and make my personal voice more potent and powerful.
In your paintings, you use intense colors and strong visual forms. How do you choose themes and colors for your paintings, and what do they represent in the context of your artistic expression?
We should better ask how themes and colours choose me (laughter). I think I belong to this group of artists called intuitive. In most cases, I simply walk into that metaphorical forest and see what happens. I do not plan anything into the last detail. Trying to control things and outcomes is simply too exhausting, as is overthinking. We should thus leave both, liberate ourselves and enter vaster horizons where more spontaneous downloads of inspiration can occur. I genuinely believe artists are channels for some higher wisdom that tries to find a way to reveal itself. By letting go and trying not to manipulate the artistic outcome, we can become more open to those messages from above. Nevertheless, I love spending time in silence, contemplation, and meditation in order to make space for ideas to rise. They normally emerge from my inner world if I allow myself to spend sufficient time there without hustling and trying to be super productive all the time. All of a sudden, words find me, or a specific visual form appears on the canvas while I was only playing and putting random strokes. In some cases, I start with a sketch if it is a sketch that finds me first during the phase of incubation. Even then, the final painting turns out to be different from the original outline. I sometimes think art then becomes art when the artist allows it to live its own life and go its own path.
Your art explores themes of modern feminism and the quest of the modern woman for an authentic voice. How do you view the role of women in today's artistic world and society?
If I ever talk about feminism, I talk about it in a very specific context, or call it soulful feminism, which for me is a way of reconnecting, not deepening disconnection and further searching for the guilty ones. To be very honest, I don’t really think I even am a feminist. Yes, women have suffered under patriarchal oppression, but we often forget about the oppression that women caused among themselves through jealousy, shaming or suppressing sexuality in dysfunctional family dynamics. Yes, women have suffered, but so did men, as I write in my e-book “Womanhood: A Reclamation of The Feminine Soul – From Trauma to Ecstasy”. We have undergone patriarchy; men have suffered mental castration caused by women. Thus, I would say, rather than feminism, my art explores the realm of possible reclamation of the feminine voice that tries to find a connection with itself, then other women, and with the opposite sex in the end.
Your works have been exhibited at numerous prestigious exhibitions around the world. Can you highlight an exhibition that is particularly dear to you or holds special meaning?
My joy and gratitude for those possibilities that were given to me are endless because I returned to painting after many years of a creative break on the first day of the lockdown back in 2020 when the global epidemic started. My intention was to do something useful with that lockdown time, not to become an exhibiting artist. When I received my first invitation via IG to exhibit in Venice, I could not believe it. The December 2021 Physical Art Exhibition “Art Collection” at Arconte Divulgarti in Venice was thus the first one that started my whole journey and the one holding special meaning.
What kinds of audience reactions inspire you the most? Is there a particular response or experience with the audience that has stayed with you?
I love it when someone writes that my art or my person throws some light onto their lives. That it helps them survive. Or endure the pain or an illness they are going through. Or that they feel a special connection with me that nurtures their creative power. I receive this kind of message very often, and it always astounds me what we are able to do in that global online network. How helpful it is to get out of your cave and shine your light without shame. It might trigger some, but at the same time, it can help so many others. Additionally, I am very thankful for all those who understand that I am not an artist who hides behind her artworks but intends to be one as well, as I truly believe our body is not only a temple but an artwork too that deserves to be celebrated and treated with highly respect. Also, here, I might trigger some, but others see my intention of living out a femininity that overcomes oppression, heals her guilt and shame and is not afraid to speak up through her voice, body and mind.
What inspires you the most when creating new works? Are there specific artists, cultures, or personal experiences that shape your art?
It is silence. Sitting in meditation. Going out into nature. Listening more, speaking less. It is in these specific spaces of solitude where I receive the most inspiration. On the other hand, I get it also from reading, as these are the most beautiful and enriching dialogues, we can engage in. Then, travelling. Going to exhibitions, meeting artists, and seeing the connection between their personalities and the way they express themselves in art. I am lucky because I am very talented at starting conversations with strangers. It is what I often hear from others that they are thankful I started the chat because they would not be courageous enough to do it themselves. Such random conversations are often highly inspiring for both sides.
Do you have any new artistic projects planned? What can we expect from your future work?
Next year, I would like to attend some art events and participate in international exhibitions. Let it all be a surprise. Paris is definitely on my dream list. Also, I plan to publish more of my writings on my website for free, probably in the form of a blog: "Lessons from my journeys into existence" and "Intimate diaries of Domi Stan," both highly poetical in nature. First and foremost, I aim to create more time and space to paint more and work on enhancing my painting skills.
As an artist who successfully expresses through multiple artistic forms, what advice would you give to young artists just beginning their journey in the world of art?
Believe that your voice is unique and worthy of being heard. There is no competition among the different forms of expression. Each one is invaluable and non-replaceable. There is no place for shame in art, just as there is no place for judgment. Art is beyond judgment. Trust that the right time is now; there is no 'perfect' time to start in the future, as there is no point where you are ready or perfect enough to start. Do not create only to hide your work away, but be brave enough to show your process to the world. You'll see that the world will respond, helping you understand what it means to feel whole and complete.
Through this deeply inspiring conversation with Dominika Stanczak, we have gained a unique insight into the world of an artist whose work and life journey transcend conventional boundaries. Her passion for art and fearless approach to sharing her creative process are a testament to the power of art to transform, connect, and enlighten.
For those who wish to explore more of Dominika's artistic works, thoughts, and journeys, please visit her website. You can also follow Dominika on Instagram to stay updated on her latest projects, exhibitions, and artistic endeavors. Dominika's work is not only visually stunning but also deeply emotional, offering new understandings and perspectives that are sure to inspire.
Photos: Dominika Stanczak