Aniol stróz – Diabel stróz
Guardian Angel – Guardian Devil. On Mariusz Kruk’s Art

Summary/Abstract: One of Mariusz Kruk’s most important pictures was painted in 2004. It was entitled “Guardian Angel”. His angel, however, is red, naked, and has dragon tail. The figure seems to be floating between the Heaven and the Earth, as if suspended between two poles. I am not sure if I see an angel or a devil. I must ask myself: who is that guardian? Kruk is usually considered by critics as objectand- installation artist. Nevertheless, he also is an interesting painter. In fact, he simultaneously works on his installations and canvases. For his objects, he uses found materials, such as clay, wood and mud. He is interested in oil painting, pastels, watercolor and gouache. Also, he writes essays about painting and drawing. He, however, believes, that art is beyond any language. Art is unconventional and language is based on communicative conventions. Words are used to describe things, and pictures show things, which cannot be described. When we hear, for example, the word ‘angel’, we think of goodness and gentleness. However, the truth is, that a figure of an angle shown in a picture may suggest different aspects of the same object. Angels don’t come from surrealist dreams. Kruk’s angel is an element of the reality. We have to use our imagination to better understand images. Art doesn’t tame the reality. Like a wild animal, the reality can always be dangerous. We have to learn how to ask right questions in order to receive right answers. We have to go beyond stereotypes in order to understand the world. Artists teach us how to reveal secrets. And secrets can be hidden in common objects, such as chairs and tables. Chairs may become no-chairs. And even birds, may be considered as dragons. Names don’t always match their designates.

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