‘Paintings 1982-89’ – Andrzej Jacowski

Andrzej Jackowski makes paintings of great beauty that have also profound depth. Recurring images appear: the hut on wheels, the upturned boat, the boat that contains a landscape within it, giant heads on their side, the ‘Brides’ series, with their emphasis on the female spirituality. It is a poetic vision and (perhaps) provides to the painting what Tarkovsky gave to cinema.

Both artists have Slavonic roots: Jackowski was born (in 1947) in Britain of Polish émigré parents and lived, for his first ten years, in a refuge camp in the north of England (“a wood barrack covered with tar, with the inner doors made out of blankets”). Both artists create works that are at once physical and spiritual and that evoke wonderment through the states of reverie.

Jackowski’s earthen colours have a parallel in the way Tarkovsky found beauty in the detritus and junk. Tim Hyman described Jackowski’s work as “the quest for a crossing into some inner realm, a core where experience is held…”, which is the theme of Tarkovski’s ‘Stalker’. Above all both have an unabashed faith in the art as a way of spiritual healing. These are paintings that resonate a very deep level in the consciousness of the beholder.

Meet the artist Castlefield Gallery, October 31, 6pm.
An opportunity to meet Andrzej Jackowski and discuss his work and its influences.

There will also be a programme of other workshops and educational activities. Enquiries to Celia Cross.

This is a touring exhibition, organised by the Castlefield Gallery, Manchester and Castle Museum, Nottingham.