Grazyna SMALEJ (1976), Ogre; 2016

Oil, canvas; 24 x 20 cm
Signed, dated, described on the back: GRAŻYNA SMALEJ / -ORGE- / 2016/ OLEJ ON FLAT/ 24 X 20 cm/ Smalej

Painter and graphic artist, graduate of the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Cracow, she received her diploma in 2001. In 1998-2001 she was awarded a scholarship from Hans Bernhardt (Germany). In 2001 she received the Grand Prix of the Minister of Culture in the Marian Michalik Competition for Young Painters in Częstochowa. She is a multiple finalist in the Bielska Jesien Biennale of Polish Painting. She has had many solo exhibitions and participated in numerous group exhibitions at home and abroad, including the Saatchi Gallery in London (Continental Shift, 2014), Lambertville in the United States (May Day, 2015). Her works are in private collections and institution around the world, including the United States, Australia, China, Japan. Since 2018, she has been a member of the Sisters of the Rivers collective organizing, among other things, happenings for the protection of rivers in Poland.
The title mountain Baintha Brakk also known as The Ogre is one of the most difficult mountains to climb. In the space of a small canvas size, Grazyna Smalej encapsulated the power of nature and the strength of a man measuring himself against the adversities he faces. Beautiful dynamics, color balance are typical of the artist's work although the theme of mountains appears infrequently.