Joanna Zjawinska, Polish

Joanna Zjawinska's intimate style transports us to worlds of mystery and elegance in images that explore complex, enigmatic relationships. Whether set in fashionable locales or in dream-like fantasy, Zjawinska's portrayals of alluring personalities draw us into exotic reverie.

Born in Poland, Zjawinska showed artistic talent at an early age, pursued her studies at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts and, in 1979, moved to New York City to launch her career. Zjawinska is renowned for her rich, expressive oils and watercolors as well as for her outstanding collection of limited editions.

Zjawinska is represented in the National Museum in Torun, Poland, The Polish Institute of New York, and in such corporate collections as Esprit de Corps, San Francisco; Warner/Vanderbilt, Inc., New York; and Guerlin Parfums, Inc., Paris. Her extensive list of private collectors includes novelist Jackie Collins and television personality Richard Simmons.

W A T E R C O L O R S

Zjawinska redefines the expressive power of watercolor. Rich washes of translucent hues create dramatic settings while concentration of pure color depict single figures lost in reflection, couples or family groups sorting out their relationships or fanciful theatrical scenes in Madrid, Paris, Venice or the American West. Often hinting at the drama of an upcoming event, Zjawinska takes us to the playgrounds of the fashionable, inviting us to join the intrigue.

O I L S

Zjawinska's work in oil reveals her understanding of the technical demands of an exacting medium. The oil paintings enchant us with their lush color, luminous glazes and intricate detail. With a gleaming polish that reflects Zjawinska's study of the Old Masters, the oils are a treasured addition to any collection.

L I MI T E D E D I T I O N S

In response to demand for her work, Zjawinska began creating limited edition serigraphs in 1981. The serigraphs were an integral part of Zjawinska's oeuvre, an enduring testament to her poplular appeal and artistic talent, however she decided to focus on originals and has not produced any limited edition works for many years.