marcin & kat owczarek

Spirit of the Bison

" Bison Spirit walks a sacred path, knowing the planet is truly a holy space and living creature. All things under Father Sky and on Mother Earth connect through Buffalo Medicine. The body weight keeps Buffalo grounded and sure. The creature’s shoulders can bear burdens with grace and balance. And the head represents using our mind and staying connected to our Higher Self. Bison’s meaning and symbolism are very family-oriented. These massive creatures protect each other with communal diligence. When something threatens that unit, Buffalo goes into action and can be very dangerous until the restoration of balance. When Buffalo travels with you, remember to live in gratitude and stay true to yourself. Honor the gifts the Universe bestows, and the lessons Bison teaches. If you identify or are born with a Buffalo Totem Animal, you will naturally find yourself immersed in the spiritual aspects of life. There is a drive within to find sacredness in every facet of life. Dreams about White Buffalo are a positive omen of success. Remember, white is the color of the Divine and to the Native Americans, seeing the sacred White Buffalo was the same as when others see Angels ".

Marcin Owczarek (born 1985) studied at the College of Photography in Wroclaw, graduating with an honorable mention for his cycle Brave New World, which presented an idiosyncratic version of a future world.

Currently, Marcin Owczarek lives and works in Belgium

My art has always focused on the condition of our globe and the condition of man. I use photography and collage to create surreal images that are thematically focused on identity, dreams, new technologies, bio-science, the unconscious, morals, social situations, behaviors, habits, rituals, biological changes, depression in urban environments- which have significant impact on human life. To observe. To document. As a result, I create the image of the 21 century and the image of our current society filled with allusions, metaphors, allegories. 

By using various symbols and depth of meaning intentionally, I want my art to be interpreted on many levels. Therefore you can also notice that there are many smaller images in one image I finish. This subtle meaning tells you – you can open as many doors as you want and interpret my collages day after day in different way. Possibilities are endless.

TIDE OF TIME DIGITAL EXHIBITION CATALOG

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"I am working all the time, on the journey or even when I sleep, the unconscious whispers the images all the time... ars longa, vita brevis ! Creating art and hiking high in the mountains amongs stone giants I could do with no rest, in both cases one touches the Divinity".

ARTWORK

IN SEARCH OF ARCADIA VIDEO

NEVER FORGET THE FOREST VIDEO

Marcin & Katarzyna Owczarek

Collaborative Works

Never Forget the Forest

Anima Mundi

We are all connected, people, animals, nature...as a one living organism. In every human being there is a piece of animal instincts and in every animal there is a piece of human being: soul, feelings, emotions, fragility.

—Marcin & Katarzyna Owczarek

Artist commentary

SHELTER-The Spirit of the Fox

Fox follows the mythical path between the underworld, twilight, lunar energy and female magic. Fox is also a descendant of the Sun, carries energy of the fire, shows loyalty, great courage, wisdom of instincts, symbolizes cleverness and the ability to deal with difficult situations.

Foxes possess a physical and mental power that makes him escape even the trickiest situations. Fox can also turn into a teacher providing guidance and help to avoid obstacles. These spirit animals also reveal secrets: you can see well only with your heart the most important things are not material and are invisible to the eyes.

There is no Plan B

Bear is one of the most ancient worshiped animals. Bears were perceived as incarnations of supernatural beings carrying the magic of nature and mystery. Bear is associated with wildness, strength, nobility, healing, warrior spirit and courage to fight. Bears are ultimate and fearless guardians when it comes to protecting their young. 

Bear as a Spirit Animal manifests primal forces of nature and the raw energy that lies within us. As an animal of the forest reminds us to stay connected to the Earth. Bear teaches us how to survive in harsh conditions and trust our instincts. Bear plays a very important role in the ecosystem because he disperses seeds protecting the environment and biodiversity. 

Because of the winter hibernation this creature becomes a symbol of rest, silence, serenity. 

Shelter-The Spirit of the WHALE

Before the world was made, the Great Creator floated on the Milky Way. That time from the stars that illuminated the darkness, the first Whale was born... Many cultures and their cosmology stories describe the beginnings of the world as an endless sea and appearing whale who carries the world on his back. When Whale arrives and you hear the Whale’s Song take hold of the Whale's tail. He will take you to the safety shelter and will teach you how to begin navigating the turbulent currents of life, will teach you about time and space and that we are all connected, not just to each other but also to the natural world through all eternity. Whales are associated with protective instincts, wisdom, spiritual awareness, intelligence, communication, music, gratitude, transformation and psychic abilities. There are stories of whales offering protection to non-whale species. For example whales hiding seals under their pectoral fins when orcas are present. Furthermore, there are stories of whales who protected people from sharks. Whale as a powerful symbol of protection is remanding us to be protective for those you love, friends and your community. For many cultures Whales are considered as the guardians of oceans and sea travel, water spirits who bring good fortune and happiness. Whales also symbolize long lasting Love, because they mate for life. Symbolizing travel, Whale is also considered as a talisman of protection for those who venture far from home.

Noah-The Lion's Heart

Lion is the symbol of strength, personal power and wisdom. He is a guardian who protects his family and represents great courage.

Crossroads

The Deer is the king of the forest who represents the Spirit of Nature. The higher dimension of Nature available to those whose intentions are pure and whose hearts are filled with unconditional love for the (Natural) World. When a deer appears to you, be thankful, because the gates of higher consciousness are just opening up before you. His horns are the crown on which moonlight and cosmic knowledge flows. Deer is also a messenger of serenity, can see between shadows and hear unspoken words. Thus, the Deer symbolism teaches us to maintain our innocence and gentleness so that we can share our open-heartedness with others. Deer symbolizes  tenderness tempered with strength , grace, compassion, gentleness, meekness, and natural beauty.

TO THE RESCUE

This work is dedicated to burning Australia, facing with the worst wildfires seen in decades. Record-breaking temperatures and months of fierce drought have caused a series of massive bushfires across Australia. Over half a billion animals died in the last few weeks. Many Australians have lost their homes (only in New South Wales1,300 houses were destroyed), dozens are missing. Fire brigades are fighting to stop this catastrophe, it is said that so far the fires have burnt 12 million acres. The climate change becomes the reality to many countries and continents. My thoughts are with people affected, firefighters risking their lives to save animals and properties. This work is dedicated to  Australia, but is also metaphor of other countries where such a tragedy did happen.

Tide Of Time

I would like to share with you, new work I created: TIDE OF TIME. This work is dedicated to the issue of climate change. Time and tide wait for no man. Every 1 cm increase in average sea level means that another 6 million people worldwide are at risk of coastal floods. Glaciers are retreating around the world (the Alps, Africa, Himalayas, Andes). Sea level is rising, more and more people and animals will have to look for a new place to live. Frequent typhoons and hurricanes are already causing floods and deaths for many people. What would happen if they destroy their property? Force them to move to other areas? The problem is not only the threat to human life and infrastructure. Salt water flooding the land leads to the degradation of agricultural areas. Salt water also goes to wells and aquifers, degrading the agricultural potential of flooded areas and the possibility of livelihoods of people and the animals living there. There is a lighthouse on the horizon which means to give hope that humanity will start taking care of the planet once called Mother Earth.

In Search of Utopia

“A map of the world that does not include Utopia is not worth even glancing at". Oscar Wilde. Through-out the history of humanity people of all centuries meditated "Where Do We Come From? Where Are We Going? What was at the beginning? Does the perfect world exist?" My motivation to create "In Search of Utopia" has many aspects. Firstly, I wanted to stress the fact that nowadays many species of animals are in danger of disappearing and their global population has declined. Secondary, the animals pictured in my work are also a metaphor of humanity because they symbolize and reflect the human instincts and virtues. I believe that by creating art that transmits serious meanings and subjects, the artist has the power and influence to force us to reflect on ourselves and our planet. "In Search of Utopia" refers to the creation of a better world, with respect for all living creatures. Where we, as humanity, start to search for Utopia physically, spiritually and mentally, and one day, it becomes reality. Marcin Owczarek 04.02.2020

THE ARK OF SOLIDARITY

The “Ark of Solidarity” was created by Marcin Owczarek just as our global community was hit by the Covid-19 crisis. As this unbelievable foe gripped us we were called to action on a different front, one for social justice.

With that in mind, The Angela King Gallery designated The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB) as the beneficiary for funds raised by the sales of the print.  Racism is the single most critical barrier to building effective coalitions for social change. Racism has been consciously and systematically erected, and it can be undone only if people understand what it is, where it comes from, how it functions, and why it is perpetuated.

This limited edition print by Marcin Owczarek will be available for a minimum price of $600, $500 of which will go directly to The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISAB) Any amount over that will go directly to the fund so feel free to donate what you are able. 

You will receive a letter from the Angela King Gallery indicating the amount that was sent on your behalf. We will provide them with your name and the amount donated. There will be 100 of these prints sold.