MAGMATIC 

   In this series, Paweł Korab Kowalski delves into the elemental forces of nature, transforming raw materials into profound expressions of texture, color, and form. The artist incorporates magmatic rock fillers and prepares his own paints using powdered lava and natural earth pigments. This "alchemical" process not only imbues his works with an unparalleled depth and tactile quality but also connects his practice to the primordial origins of art and materiality.

     Each painting in Magmatic is a dialogue between control and chaos. The granular textures of powdered lava, blended with rich earth pigments, create surfaces that are both rugged and luminous. Shades of deep ochre, sepia, umber and oxidized red evoke landscapes forged by fire, while subtle gradients and fissures suggest the relentless shaping of time. Pure ultramarine, used prominently by the artist, refers to the forces of water and atmosphere — elements that co-create the earth and sustain life. Korab Kowalski’s use of natural materials is more than aesthetic; it is a philosophical commitment to grounding art in the authentic essence of the world around us.

  The artist’s works challenge conventional boundaries between painting and sculpture, as the incorporation of magmatic fillers lends a three-dimensional quality to the canvases. The interplay of light and shadow across these textured surfaces creates an immersive experience, drawing the viewer into an intimate encounter with the raw, untamed mistery of the planet.

     Magmatic encapsulates the dynamic interplay between volcanic energy and the stability of the terrestrial world. Through his meticulously crafted works, Kowalski invites viewers to explore the layered narratives of the earth itself – its eruptions, erosions, and endless cycles of renewal. The works radiate an energy that feels both ancient and immediate, as though they hold within them the memory of geological epochs and the pulse of the present moment.

    The project serves as a profound exploration of humanity’s connection to the elemental forces that shape our existence. By integrating volcanic materials into his art, Korab Kowalski blurs the boundaries between creation and destruction, permanence and impermanence. His work challenges us to consider the transitory nature of life and the enduring power of the earth, evoking questions about our place within the vast, ever-changing landscape of the planet.

    Magmatic is a testament to Paweł Korab Kowalski’s curiosity about the natural world. By harnessing the transformative power of volcanic materials, he not only redefines the medium of painting but also invites us to reflect on the elemental forces that shape our environment and our lives.

   This works are a meditation on the earth’s vitality and resilience. In an era where our relationship with nature is increasingly fraught, Korab Kowalski’s work stands as a poignant reminder of our deep and enduring connection to the planet’s fiery heart.

Oscar Smejt

art critic and curator