Interview: Anna Mrzyglod
Luca Curci talks with Anna Mrzyglod during RITUALS, first appointment of ANIMA MUNDI 2024, at Palazzo Albrizzi-Capello.

Anna Mrzyglod (b.1979 Wadowice, Poland) graduated from the renowned High School of Fine Arts in Zakopane on the faculty of wood carving. Anna did her master’s study at the University of Silesia in Katowice, Faculty in Cieszyn also on the faculty of carving. Currently, her residence is in Germany, Düsseldorf, where she has her own studio. Anna frequently participates in exhibitions and competitions. In addition to the woodwork, Anna is engaged in large-format 3D illusionist painting with surfaces up to 3500qm. Her paintings can be seen in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and the USA. Anna has a family and is a mom of three boys.

Luca Curci – How did you arrive at your current art practice?
Anna Mrzyglod – Expressing myself non-verbally has always been of great importance to me. This kind of communication allowed me to capture emotions indirectly, which I really liked, and searching and finding the form was very fun for me! I never thought I would love wood! I associated wood with a material for fuel and heating, besides, I really like colour in carved objects and for a long time, I could not find a compromise. This is because I studied in a very traditional faculty and it was an absolute no-go. Today’s practice is to continue the search not only for an interesting form but to complement it with colour.

LC – Which artists have influenced your work in some way?
AM – There is no specific artist who has inspired me. Of course, unconscious knowledge plays a role. At first, I worked very traditionally, then (neo) Pop Art in general had quite an influence on some of my work, as well as people and events, life situations and childhood memories.

LC – What is the most difficult thing about creating artwork?
AM – Choosing the right formal solution to an idea. I often blow random thoughts along the way to create a work of art, because they get planned out of sight and distract me. But also, as a mom of three children, I have completely learned to function in a burst of questions, which was unthinkable in an earlier period. I couldn’t afford to wait for verve, I was carving while the little ones were napping and waiting for them to go to bed in the evening. It was a very difficult time for me, but I persevered.

LC – Do you use art to express something specific? Is it your means of expression?
AM – Art is something very personal to me. My works are related to personal experiences from my childhood or sometimes to pressing issues we face as a society. They are often social or political manifestos. It’s an important medium and a therapeutic means for me. I also like to use the object as a symbol that we know well and play with its illusions as well.

LC – What do you feel when you see completed work?
AM – I actually can’t finish the work, I return to the sculptures several times, but always with a similar tension. I also appreciate the audience’s reaction to the created sculpture, when the intellect begins to get irritated at the illusion encountered. Being accustomed to familiar symbols and the materials used to make them can be provocative when you suddenly see that a plastic toy is wooden! It’s a wonderful reaction! I had a client who quietly cried in front of me when she saw the sculpture I created for her. This is the greatest reward I can imagine.

LC – What do you think about the concept of this exhibition? How did it inspire you?
AM – Venice is overwhelmingly beautiful, and the opportunity to exhibit here is a great honor. Venice in itself is an inspiration!

LC – Your recent art production attracted us, was the presented work created for the exhibition or as part of pre-existing works?
AM – It is part of the “DNA” series. It began with my first non-figurative sculpture, a Mobius series with no beginning and no end, and depending on the circumstances presents various structural sinuosities. Adenin is an attempt to look inside myself, but very restrained. Adenin’s form is beautiful in itself, dripping with logic and fluidity, and one interacts with tranquillity.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID GROUP can represent an opportunity for artists?
AM – Exhibiting is always an opportunity. However, you have to have the right people to appreciate what they see. Finding the right people at the right time and place is very difficult, and Venice is obviously a good source to find them. It’s a very beautiful place and I’m happy to have had these chances to show my wooden carving here.

LC – Did you enjoy working with us?
AM – Oh yes, of course! Simple, hassle-free and efficient process made for a pleasant experience. Help in every organizational field, friendly service and new contacts! I can definitely recommend this place to other artists! Thank you.