Irena Sliwinski - Artist Profile

Irena Sliwinski

"Many of the themes that unfold in Irena's art are rooted in the harsh conditions of her childhood. She was born in Poland. At the outbreak of the World War II, she and her family were deported to labour camps in Siberia. Much of her youth was spent in refugee camps. After the war, the family were granted an asylum in England. She married, and eventually found her way to the beautiful shores of Lake Winnipeg. It wasn't until her retirement, that she was able to allow her creative spirit the freedom to embark on its journey as a full time artist.

Her subjects often mirror the sense of displacement felt by a refugee. They appear to be seeking connectedness in an uprooted world, seeking a deeper meaning in life. Yet despite the sadness of her past, Irena's paintings are filled with an optimistic hope. The artist's vision goes beyond the physical world and finds iself in the realms of the spiritual. It is here that meaning is slowly uncovered, layer by layer as unexpected images emerge. The finished product invites the viewer to share in the same creative, intuitive process of pondering and discovering. It is this dynamic quality that gives her art a wonderful depth". (Isobella R. Moyer).

"If you have never seen her work (shown frequently at the Fleet Galleries on Albert Street), take your time looking. One can easily examine one of her paintings for an hour. At first glance you may be confused, thinking it is not a painting but rather a fiber weaving. Often the images presented are divided and subdivided by meandering white lines - bleached perhaps.

Sliwinski's multi-media works come together without any preconceived ideas in place. They evolve as the artist's impulse moves her in a specific direction. One might refer to this as 'spontaneous discovery'. There is a lot of self discipline involved here and a high measure of risk taking.

This can result in some of the images being familiar, others totally in the realm of abstractions. In some there appears to be a relligious connection, a spirituality. And the colour schemes are a blend of warmth and connectedness". (Arnold Ross, Curator, Piano Nobile Gallery, Centennial Concert Hall - Introduction to Irena's Piano Nobile Exhibition, June 10 - July 29, 2006).

Irena is a member of the Manitoba Society of Artists. Her award winning art can be found in private collections in Canada, U.S.A., U.K. and Iceland.

She is represented by Fleet Galleries, Winnipeg and Mermaid's Kiss Gallery, Gimli. Her art can aslo be found at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Art Rental and Sales.