Aug 42 min read

Internationally Acclaimed Artist Agnieszka Kotarska Exhibits with Allied Artists of America at The Butler Institute of American Art

Updated: Aug 10

Agnieszka Kotarska is a figurative artist, who is participating in the 111th Allied Artists of America 's invitational exhibition at The Butler Institute of American Art, in Youngstown, Ohio, September 8th - November 10th, 2024. She currently resides and works in Spain. Born in 1984 in Poland, Kotarska's passion for art blossomed at an early age, deeply influenced by the natural surroundings of her childhood. She demonstrated extraordinary talent, particularly in drawing, which has been the cornerstone of her artistic journey.

Self-taught, Kotarska has honed her technique over the years, working primarily with graphite and charcoal, her preferred mediums. Her delicate and fine strokes create sophisticated and detailed pieces that conceal profound concepts. Kotarska's art is an enchanting blend of realism, symbolism, and mystery, often portraying female figures with remarkable delicacy, sensitivity, spirituality, and emotional depth. Her subjects are typically illuminated by a single light source, giving her works a Renaissance quality that reveals her deep admiration for the old masters.

Kotarska is captivated by themes of metaphysics, spirituality, transcendence, and inner freedom, influences that have been integral to her life from a young age. Her daily practice of introspection and meditation facilitates a profound connection with her inner world and the interconnectedness of humanity.

Her passion for travel has further enriched her artistic vision, allowing her to immerse herself in diverse cultures around the world. She has lived in four countries: Poland, Spain, Thailand, and Argentina. Throughout her travels, Kotarska has participated in numerous spiritual retreats in Eastern countries, always equipped with a pencil and paper to capture her experiences through art.

Kotarska believes in the boundless potential of human beings to connect with their inner selves and comprehend the unity that transcends external differences. Her artwork embodies this belief, aiming to inspire and provoke thought in viewers. Her work has been featured in numerous books and art magazines and exhibited in international galleries and museums.

Agnieszka Kotarska's creativity is a testament to the profound insights she gains from her spiritual practices and worldly experiences, making her a unique and compelling figure in contemporary art. Scroll down to to see her work below.

RECOGNITION:

FIRST PLACE WINNER in Strokes of Genius 16

SECOND Place Award in DRAWING Category - Titian International Portrait Competition, 2024

EXCELLENCE PRIZE Award - Titian International Portrait Competition, 2024

FWSD AWARD WINNER - 16th ARC Salon, 2023

BEST DRAWING WINNER - PleinAir Salon, February 2023

FINALIST - 16th ARC Salon Competition, 2023

SEMI - FINALIST - 16th ARC Salon Competition, 2023

LUNAR CODEX 2023

SEMI - FINALIST - PleinAir Salon annual Competition, 2023

HONORABLE MENTION - Almenara Art Prize 2023

MERCEDES SALAZAR AWARD -Almenara Art Prize 2023