at NADA Villa Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland
15 May 2024 to 19 May 2024
Stills: Julia Medyńska at NADA Villa Warsaw
15 May 2024 - 19 May 2024
Yulia Topchiy proudly presents "Stills," unveiling Julia Medyńska’s latest series of paintings. Rooted in her Central European heritage and enriched by cosmopolitan experiences in Berlin, New York, and London, Medyńska's narrative prowess shines through in each brushstroke. Drawing from diverse influences such as film, photography, and Romantic painting, particularly the works of Caspar David Friedrich, Medyńska skillfully intertwines narratives and portraits in her art.
This collection focuses on "Stills," showcasing Medyńska's talent for capturing frozen moments, akin to cinematic snapshots. Emphasizing the cinematic essence through suggestive interplays of light and darkness, it beckons viewers to immerse themselves in depicted scenes, engaging with tension and realism firsthand. Deeply resonant themes of alienation, longing, loss, and mortality enrich the atmosphere, evoking a spectrum of emotions. Medyńska adeptly explores the theme of nature as a sign of impending trouble, symbolizing societal guilt and our powerless position against its force.
A particular approach to the paintings delves into the universal theme of aging, offering a nuanced exploration of the visual journey and challenges associated with growing older. Medyńska juxtaposes Fredrick’s Romantic landscapes with her own interpretation of the Romantic landscape of growth and age, inviting viewers on a reflective journey. Memory is intricately woven throughout the paintings, with landscapes serving as poignant reflections of the past as one traverses the passage of time. Each piece encapsulates a moment frozen in time, capturing the essence of aging and the inevitable progression towards the unknown with poignant clarity.
Informed by personal history, including her family's escape from Poland and struggles in Berlin, Medyńska's work resonates with authenticity. Rooted in realism yet enriched with a captivating palette, her technique evokes a sense of disquiet reminiscent of Michael Haneke's films, known for their exploration of existential dread and societal dysfunction. Her dedication to storytelling prompts introspection.
Set against the backdrop of the historic neo-baroque Willa Gawrońskich in Warsaw, Medyńska's exhibition takes on heightened significance. The juxtaposition of grandeur with raw emotion creates a compelling interplay. Amidst cultural landmarks, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in Medyńska's evocative world, experiencing firsthand the profound impact of art to provoke thought and evoke emotion.
Medyńska Medyńska (born 1981, Gdansk), based in Warsaw, holds an MFA from Columbia University School of the Arts. Her solo exhibitions have garnered acclaim worldwide, including "Nocturnal Animals'' at Galeria Kolekcjoner in Kraków, Poland, and "Nächtliche Streifzüge" at Jedlitschka Gallery in Zürich, Switzerland. Medyńska's upcoming shows include exhibitions at Galeria Art in Warsaw, Poland (2024) and at Arsenał in Poznań, Poland (2025). Additionally, her work has been featured internationally at the Państwowa Galeria Sztuki in Sopot, Poland; Pilipczuk Gallery in Copenhagen, Denmark; Muzeum Lubuskie in Gorzów, Poland; and Galeria ATC in Tenerife, Spain, among others.
Dates & Times
NADA Villa Warsaw
Willa Gawrońskich
Al. Ujazdowskie 23/25
00-540 Warsaw, Poland
Open to the Public:
Thursday, May 16, 12pm–7pm
Friday, May 17, 12pm–7pm
Saturday, May 18, 12pm–7pm
Sunday, May 19, 12pm–7pm
Opening Reception:
Wednesday, May 15th, 5-9 PM
To request a preview, email yt@yuliatopchiy.com or visit yuliatopchiy.com.