In February 2019, we had the pleasure of receiving Tomasz Matczak as a guest artist in our International Program and to exhibit a body of his graphic work at the Poliglota Room in our studio at Fundación´ace . Parallel to his visit, the artist delivered a workshop and participated of a full day of activities with Argentinean artists that was open to the public and the local artistic community.

ATMOSPHERES (by Tomasz Matczak)

My prints are the fruit of continuous observation of the natural phenomena. I am fascinated with the unique atmosphere created by light and colour in different landscapes and the emotions they evoke. In my works, I try to render the magic climate of the nature that surrounds me.

I transform simple sketches into more monumental visions suggesting the metaphysical meaning of what happens around us. The main theme of some of my works is the meeting of the sky and the earth and the exchange of energy between them. In horizontal format I try to depict big powers of nature.

I often reduce the colour scale concentrating on subtle variations of tones to create a specific, intimate atmosphere which invites the observer to somehow enter the world of my imagination.

I start taking photographic and pastel sketches from nature. Based on these drawings, I start working on the print. I like to experiment with lithographic techniques –algraphy, polyester plates or ferrography–, the innovative method using iron plates as an alternative for lime stone. Digital technology allows me to combine different images together, control the quality of colour, its intensity and brightness on every inch of the print. I make various proofs of print to choose the best colour scale and I print in several layers. I also work on the textures and use different layers of colours trying to follow the lessons of the Italian and Dutch Masters of painting.

On Wednesday, February 27th, we shared a full day with guest artists Alicja Habisiak-Matczak and Tomasz Matczak, professors of the Academy of Fine Arts of Lodz in Poland and of the international workshops PATA (Printmaking and Textil Art).

The meeting began with a conference and artist talk by Alicja Habisiak-Matczak, who spoke of her work exhibited in the Políglota Room as well as about PATA, the summer workshops in printmaking and textile art of the Academy of Fine Arts of Lodz that she directs. The talk also addressed the activities of the Academy in the disciplines of graphic and textile art as well as the art traditions of Lodz, a city is famous for its Textile Art Triennial and textile production, as well as the high quality of their design and engraving.

Alicja travelled to Buenos Aires as part of an exchange agreement that Fundación´ace has with the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Lodz, Poland, where she’s the Director of Techniques of Intaglio Studio and coordinator of the International Summer Courses PATA (Printmaking and Textile Art).

After lunch and networking, Tomasz Matczak taught an Algraphy workshop to share new non-toxic techniques of lithography with colleagues from the local art community.

PROGRAM

11.00 hs coffee and accreditations
11.30 hs  conference and talk with Alicja Habisiak- Matczak
13.00 hs lunch and networking
14.00 hs to 17.00 hs algraphy workshop by Tomasz Matczak

The International Print and Paper Art Fair in Bilbao, FIG Bilbao, celebrated its twelfth edition at the Euskalduna Palace, a venue located in the heart of the city of Bilbao in Spain. The fair took place from November 23 to 26 and featured a comprehensive program of activities related to Paper Art, with Japan being the guest country.

This twelfth edition brought together more than forty national and international print galleries and publishers, as well as over 500 artists. With almost 10,000 visitors, the fair continues to establish itself as a key meeting point for print and paper art. This art event in the Basque Country also becomes one of the main cultural attractions in Bilbao, as recognized by national and international media.

Invited by its organizers and partners at Open Buenos Aires – FIG Bilbao and the ARTHAZI Association – the ´ace Contemporary Art Foundation participated in Stand #10, featuring Polish artists Alicja Habisiak-Matzack, Jolanta Rustka-Habisiak, and Tomasz Matzack from the Academy of Arts and Design in Lodz, Poland. In addition, our director, Alicia Candiani, was invited to participate as a member of the international jury in the “Cubes of Temptations,” a program aimed at Fine Arts students in their final years of education. This year, the cubes featured emerging artists from Kyoto City University of Arts (KCUA) and the University of the Basque Country.