ANDRZEJ URBANSKI - Continuum

Everard Read is proud to present Continuum, a new body of work by Andrzej Urbanski, acclaimed for his bold abstract paintings and sculptures. In this exhibition, Urbanski delves into the complex dualities of masculinity, its capacity for both strength and tenderness, through abstractions that are at times angular and vibrant, and at others curved and muted. This interplay of opposites speaks to a visual language that is both dynamic and contemplative.

Andrzej Urbanski was born in Poland, raised in Germany, and has been living and working in South Africa for more than thirteen years. Urbanski has built a practice defined by precision, integrity in process and intention, and a dedication to understanding and exploring the mediums he works with. A sign at the entrance to his Cape Town studio reads: “Dependability, Skill and Selflessness”, words that quietly encapsulate both his ethos and his approach to making art.

Urbanski experiences masculinity as being inherently multifaceted. The recent birth of his son has deepened his awareness of the gentleness that complements masculine power. In this new body of work, curved forms and softer, muted colours are juxtaposed with high-frequency elements, creating a dialogue between the two contrasting forces. This allows the viewer to feel how the soft balances the hard.

His steel sculptures begin as small-scale cardboard models or digital sketches. These works then evolve through processes of cutting, sequencing, and assembling, with each stage presenting unforeseen challenges that shape the final work. His paintings are created in an equally meticulous manner. Canvases are constructed with curved or angular edges, while layered mixtures of oils, acrylics, spray paint, and drying solutions are carefully applied to produce textures ranging from glossy to matte, smooth to tactile. Each application is carefully mixed to achieve a precise visual effect.

For over seventeen years, Urbanski has pursued his artistic path with unwavering persistence and courage. This exhibition celebrates not only his technical mastery but also his conviction that art is a space where problem-solving, vulnerability, and creation are inseparably intertwined. Through this, the material and the conceptual, the personal and the universal, converge to form a resonant visual language.

For enquiries please contact gallery@everard.co.za