Kasia Dzikowska
Bio
Kasia Dzikowska is an Abu Dhabi-based artist. Born in Poland, she earned her MFA in fine arts at UTH Radom in 2007. Thereafter, she based her arts practice in the UK, and became an art educator in 2009, currenly teaching Fine Art and Graphic Design at Zayed University.
In 2013, Kasia moved to the Middle East where she has been living ever since. Her work has been displayed at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and she was awarded 1st Place in the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival for her series ‘Notice me’. Her work has also been exhibited internationally, including in the UK, USA, UAE and Poland.
Kasia works in a variety of media, including painting, mixed media, digital graphics and installation. Her work includes strong use of repetition and habitual documenting and comments on socio-gender issues through visual memory recording. Her work is influenced by the Middle East, particularly by matters of everyday existence and the empowerment of local women in the UAE.
Artist Statement
“In my art practice I am connecting with the communities that surround me, focusing on elements that are emotionally important for people in their community. I am interested in the spiritual aspect of how we perceive ourselves and the world around us, and connections that we create, whether they be with places, things, or each other.
“A significant part of my work centres around residents of the UAE, focusing on their existence, their perception of themselves and their ambitions. Part of my process before I begin painting is to connect with my subject on a personal level by meeting people and listening to their stories, visiting the place or reading about it. I do not merely want to capture the image with my brushes; rather I want to show the inner beauty of the people and places that I document.
“My process starts with prolonged observations of a singular subject, aimed at capturing the repetition of changes and constants. Most of my visual projects oscillate around multiple renderings of the same imaginary, exploring it in methodical ways. I am fascinated by layers of colours and textures, interlocking with each other in a delicate dance of transparency and opacity. It acts as a prism, where the representational aspect of the work has been scrapped away, allowing the emotional aspect, based at the core of the image, to take centre stage. In a sense, my art explores cyclical aspect of carving out and revisiting part of everyday life and exploring the raw emotions connected to them.“
You can download my artist CV and Portfolio as a PDF.
1-30 Jul 19 Envision Arts, USA
7-30 May 19 Emerge III Converging Lines, Venice, IT
14 Feb – 2 Apr 19 RAK Fine Arts Festival 2019, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
2 -6 Dec 18 National Day Installation, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi
6-12 Oct 18 Message of Love, Sinyar Gallery, Dubai
29 Oct -12 Nov 18 Soul of the Desert, Art Hub Gallery, Dubai
16-22 Aug 18 Show Your Best, Cartoon Gallery, Dubai
8 Mar 18 SPE International Women Day Exhibition, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
15 Oct 17 – 20 Feb 18 Wall of Happiness, Exhibition M Gallery, R Hotel The Palm Jumeirah
10 – 17 Oct 18 Art and Headlines, Khaleej Times Collaboration, Andakulova Gallery
27 May – 26 Jun 17 Vibes of Ramadan, Avani Hotel, Dubai
03 Nov – 02 Dec 16 My Flag My World, CITIZEN E Gallery, Dubai
19 Mar – 2 Apr 16 Eva 2 Exhibition, Art Plus Gallery, Dubai
13 – 24 Mar 16 Sikka16, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai
18 - 21 Jan 16 Art In Secret, Showcase Gallery, Dubai
16 Jan – 13 Feb 16 International Postcard Show, Surface Gallery, Nottingham, UK
3 Dec 15 Martyrs of the Nation, Art Plus Gallery, Dubai
13 Nov – 05 Dec 15 City Walk, Dubai
15 – 17 Oct 15 Art Fair Dubai, The Address Hotel, Dubai Mall, Dubai
14 – 24 Mar 15 SIKKA15, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai
19 – 21 Feb 15 RAK Fine Arts Festival 2015, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
1 Oct – 6 Nov 14 Art from the Mind’s Eye, Art Couture Gallery, Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai
20 – 22 Feb 14 RAK Fine Arts Festival 2014, UAE, 1st Place Winner, Art Category
16 Jan – 2 Feb 13 International Postcard Show, Surface Gallery, Nottingham, UK
22 – 29 Nov 12 Rugby Open Exhibition, Rugby Gallery and Museum, UK
1 Aug 12 – 1 Aug 13 Featured Newcomer to Coventry 2012, Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, Coventry, UK
18 Jan – 5 Feb 12 City of Sanctuary, The Herbert Gallery, Coventry, UK