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Interview with Piotr Nowak: Exploring Boundaries and Systems through Clay
Born in Olsztyn, Poland, Piotr Nowak is a multidisciplinary artist whose journey with ceramics began at the Wrocław Academy of Fine Arts. With a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Ceramics and Glass, Nowak’s artistic endeavors extend to sculptural, installation, video, and collaborative projects. A recipient of the Arts Council Norway stipend and an active member of professional artist organizations, including the International Academy of Ceramics, Nowak has left an indelible mark in the art world. We sit down with Piotr to delve into his unique approach to ceramics and his exploration of boundaries and systems.
Could you share a bit about your artistic journey and how you found your way to ceramics?
My journey in the world of art began in Olsztyn, Poland, where I was born in 1984. However, it was during my studies at the Wrocław Academy of Fine Arts that I discovered my passion for ceramics. The tactile nature of clay and its potential for sculptural expression fascinated me. I further honed my craft during a year as an Artist in Residence at the University of Porto, Portugal, in 2007-2008. This experience broadened my perspective and set the stage for my ongoing exploration of ceramics.
Your work is characterized by an empirical approach to the ceramic medium. How did you develop this unique perspective, and what draws you to clay as a form of expression?
Clay, as a medium, offers a unique set of challenges and possibilities. My empirical approach involves pushing the boundaries of what clay can achieve, redefining its potential within a modular system. Precision in handicraft is crucial, and through this, I aim to draw attention to the systems conditioning perception. The relationship between sensory perception, human imagination, and the inherent contradictions in each individual is a rich field for exploration.
Your art often explores the relationships between sensory perception and human imagination. Could you elaborate on how you approach this theme in your work?
The theme of sensory perception and human imagination is central to my artistic inquiry. I create works that challenge viewers to question the systems that condition their perception. By manipulating clay in unconventional ways, I seek to prompt contemplation on the limits of imagination and the contradictions inherent in the human experience. It’s about pushing boundaries and inviting the audience to reconsider their understanding of the world around them.
You’ve been involved in art in public spaces in both Norway and Poland. How does creating art for public spaces differ from more traditional gallery settings, and what impact do you hope your public art has on viewers?
Art in public spaces presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Unlike the controlled environment of a gallery, public spaces offer a dynamic backdrop for artistic expression. My goal is to disrupt the ordinary, to introduce elements that prompt unexpected interactions and contemplation. Public art has the power to transform routine spaces into thought-provoking environments. I hope that my work in public spaces sparks curiosity, challenges preconceptions, and fosters a deeper connection between the artwork and the people who encounter it.
As a representative of Norway in the International Academy of Ceramics, how has this affiliation influenced your artistic practice and collaborations on an international scale?
Being a representative of Norway in the International Academy of Ceramics has been a tremendous honor and a source of inspiration. It has provided a platform for meaningful exchanges with artists from diverse backgrounds, fostering collaborations and a cross-pollination of ideas. This international affiliation has expanded my artistic horizons, influencing my practice by introducing me to a global perspective on ceramics and art. It reinforces the idea that art transcends borders, connecting us through shared creativity and a passion for pushing artistic boundaries.
Looking ahead, what artistic endeavors or projects are on the horizon for you?
The future holds exciting possibilities. I plan to continue my exploration of ceramics, delving deeper into the interplay between materiality and systems. I aspire to create larger works that challenge not only the physical limits of clay but also the conceptual boundaries of artistic expression. Collaborations, both nationally and internationally, remain a focus, as they provide fertile ground for innovation. Ultimately, my artistic journey is an ongoing quest to provoke thought, stimulate the senses, and contribute to the ever-evolving dialogue within the world of contemporary ceramics.
Piotr Nowak’s empirical approach to ceramics and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of the medium position him as a trailblazer in contemporary art. Through his sculptural explorations, Nowak invites viewers to reconsider the systems that shape their perceptions and challenges the conventional norms of artistic expression. As a representative of Norway in the International Academy of Ceramics, his influence extends globally, contributing to a vibrant and dynamic dialogue within the international art community. As Piotr continues to shape clay into thought-provoking forms, the art world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his boundless artistic journey.