Polish born and educated, Zbigniew Kozikowski was inspired by the cubist tradition of Picasso and Braque.  His paintings reflect a constant pushing of the usual boundaries in terms of materials, methods, color and subject.  We can find, in this collection, a mixed use of acrylic, oil, watercolor and various texturizing elements as well as an integration of abstract forms and the vivacious beauty of nature and light.

The skyline themes set forth in several pieces of this new series are many times lifted from Kozikowski’s experience of a particular place, but are not intended to be representative of these places.  Rather, they are presented as an interpretative vision of the imagination.  A viewer is invited to enter into this vision, and thus enter into his own journey through feelings and memories. The experience of the viewer is heightened through the boldness of line and light and the inspired juxtaposition of modern and archetypically classical themes.  An example of this can be found in “Awakening,” where the spire of the Cathedral is sharply offset by the rectangular, contemporary style of nearby buildings. Our experience of this painting can hold the opportunity to participate in Kozikowski’s own striving toward a meeting of spirit, mind and heart.

Color evokes emotion, and Kozikowski’s courageous, sometimes rebellious use of color propels his paintings to transpire the ordinary.  The reds and magentas which dominate “Hot Date” push our pulses upward.  Luscious oranges of “Tangerine Sky” lull us into a luxurious, lingering summer day.  Yet, when we go beyond our initial reaction, and look more closely, we find a myriad of unexpected colors lending intricate depths to what at first appeared simple. 

The freshness of experimentation is alive in Kozikowski’s work, and it is this life, ultimately, which captivates us.   It has been said that when art has this effect, it transcends boundaries between nations and rises above contemporary judgments on esthetics and style. 

Kozikowski received a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland, after which he traveled extensively in Eastern and Western Europe, participating in many art seminars and workshops.  His works are in collections of these countries, as well as in the United States.   Currently, Kozikowski lives in Sacramento, California, US, where he also maintains a studio.