About

BIOGRAPHY

Maureen Kaczkowski’s compulsion to mirror all facets of today’s society produces “inspiring collages” that evoke a response. Her work illustrates the absurdities of contemporary society, while balancing beauty and tension. Conventional values and belief systems are challenged. Thought-provoking themes are presented in each piece of artwork.

Maureen’s extended indulgence in viewing the collective art platform throughout the world has undoubtedly had an underlying influence on her artistic perspective. Her influences are varied, including: the philosophy and artistic freedom of the Dada movement; the disturbing, pessimistic creations of Hieronymus Bosch; and the vivid, dreamlike qualities of the surrealists.

Maureen’s history with paper and scissors began at the age of five, when precisely cutting out paper to create was a favourite pastime. She is virtually a self-taught artist. Her first formal education delved into fashion and design, thereby contributing to fundamental artistic elements in her artworks.

Through her art Maureen strives to provide a looking glass for society. The reflection we see inexorably connects us to our shared humanity.

ARTIST’S STATEMENT

Why do I do art? First and foremost, I have to say society and the human condition fascinate me. Through my artwork I endeavour to document the stories of contemporary existence. Acting as a mirror, my art reflects the absurdities of our shared humanity. Questioning belief systems and conventional values has always been an integral part of my life. My art serves as a platform for irreverent commentary on popular culture.

Contemplating the future and our direction as a society is also a driving force behind my work. Not least of all, the muse may lead me to a splash of whimsy, nostalgia or just poking fun! In our ever-changing world, the possibilities for future artistic expression are endless.

A strong narrative core or theme forms the backbone of all my work. Materialism, the concept of feminine beauty, sexuality and death, combined with the hypersexualism in advertising, and the possible effects of artificial intelligence and political commentary are never far from the surface. Catharsis on a personal level is also a theme I am compelled to explore. In communicating personal issues via my art, I strive to, once again, illustrate our shared humanity. With close attention to the details in each piece of art, the story or theme is illuminated.

The organic process of creating each analogue collage assemblage is both exhilarating and labour-intensive. The components for each image are hand-selected from my vast collection of current and vintage printed publications. The components are in their original format, without digital reproduction or alteration. Size, perspective and palette present a continual challenge. After the creative process is complete, the collage components are disassembled. Each piece has only one chance to be meticulously glued in its place. Upon completion, the finished artwork has what I refer to as “a seamless appearance,” offering the viewer an enhanced visual experience.

My contemplation of today’s society acts as a catalyst for my artistic expression. Conveying my observations through my artwork ensures an indelible documentation of our society’s stories and our shared experiences of the times. In attempting to take a non-judgemental approach, I invite the viewer to draw their own conclusions. I believe that awareness of our humanity, with all its beauty and flaws, combined with the ability to laugh at ourselves, is essential to withstanding the complexities of everyday existence. Always remember, art reflects life!