Nikodem Szpunar

20221105/01

artist’s own technique, acrylic paint on canvas, 2022

20221005/01

artist’s own technique, acrylic paint on canvas, 2022

20230402/01

artist’s own technique, acrylic paint on canvas, 2023

“Until recently, my focus lay solely in furniture and furnishing design. However, for the past three years, I’ve been immersing myself in the realm of painting. Through constant refinement and experimentation, I’ve been honing my techniques and tools to craft abstract compositions. What captivates me in this artistic pursuit is the versatility of these tools, which create traces of varying sizes, allowing me to paint sizable artworks that engulf the viewer with their surreal and monumental presence. The prospect of conjuring a single fluid line that embodies both space, depth, and a spectrum of colours exhilarates me. The amalgamation of references to the digital three-dimensional world with the emotive gestures of painting holds strong allure for me,” – elaborates Nikodem Szpunar on his artistic endeavours.  

Nikodem Szpunar, born on July 7, 1987, in Rzeszów, is a Polish designer known for creating furniture and interior furnishings for both industrial and short-term serial production. In addition to his work in the industry, he also ventures into creating paintings using his own tools and engages in projects that intersect with the realm of art.  

He has received prestigious accolades such as the Good Design, International Furniture Design Award (Asahikawa), Make me!, and Must Have. He was honoured with the title of Designer of the Year in 2019 by Arena Design and in 2021 by the Institute of Industrial Design. His designs have been showcased at renowned international fairs, exhibitions, and industry events from Berlin, Milan, and London to New York, Hong Kong, and Japan. His works have been exhibited since 2022, being featured at prominent events including the Łódź Design Festival – Targi Rzeczy Ładnych (the Fair of Pretty Things), as well as at Michał Torzecki’s Gallery/Studio and BWA in Bydgoszcz.  

Diuna Art Collection

Sculpture / Landscape / Form – Diuna

In  Diuna project, we create the landscape as humans, it’s not created by nature, employing tools and quotations throughout the process. The resulting landscape isn’t and won’t be natural, yet it encompasses something more – a fusion of emotions, gestures, and an endeavor in composition that evokes a sense of harmony, even if it presents as an anomaly.  

The anomaly evolves into a positive force, forging a new trajectory in shaping space, where materials and textures play a crucial role—initiating a sensory dialogue with human presence in a specific space. An integral element of this exchange is the inclusion of artists’ works within the spaces of the lobbies forming an additional stratum of  Diuna’s landscape. Each artist interprets the landscape, lines, and gestures in a distinct manner, crafting fresh meanings that unfold across multiple dimensions.  

The pieces from Jan Dziaczkowski’s “Mountains for Warsaw” collection displayed in lobby B is a poignant metaphor for the artist’s profound adoration for the mountains. They encapsulate a fulfilled dream, illustrating the hypothetical scenario of Warsaw nestled within mountainous terrain. Through these works, the artist delves into the cultural metamorphosis that accompanies a shift in landscape, a backdrop that significantly influences us. The juxtaposition of skyscrapers against the mountain backdrop enhances their allure, while the addition of a roller coaster leading to the Royal Castle constructs a vision of utopian tourism, ultimately attaining an iconic status. Janek’s envisioned landscape prompts us to recognize the pivotal role of our surroundings in shaping our emotions and aspirations.  

Meanwhile, in Nikodem Szpunar’s showcased works in lobby C, the landscape transforms into a graceful gesture, crafted with a specially designed brush. These abstract yet intimately familiar creations exude tranquillity and harmony, akin to a form of grand calligraphy or meditation. They establish a seamless connection between us and the environment, fostering a sense of flow and unity.  

A strikingly different piece, “The Bow” by Hannah Sophie Dunkelberg adds a touch of pop culture to lobby D, intriguing us with its unconventional form. While the bow may initially exude an air of sweetness and innocence, the material comprising it is sharp, angular, and weighty, imparting an aura of complexity and inaccessibility. Delving beneath the surface, the object challenges established norms and social expectations, offering a poignant commentary on the inherent difficulties that accompany notions of nicety and beauty. Yet, when viewed through the lens of space as compositions in a more organic light, the tribulationof conforming to conventions fade into insignificance.  

The art collection is enriched by the presence of “The Pink Mermaid” in lobby A, a neon  created by Maurycy Gomulicki in 2013. This piece seamlessly integrates with the theatrical ambiance of the lobby, combining distinct elements of expression that the artist passionately emphasizes in his work—neon pink hues and an admiration for the Warsaw mermaid, depicted here in an exquisitely feminine and even seductive form.  

The resulting lobby landscapes A, B, C, and D form a subtle extension of the new outdoor patio space. The sculptures by Łoskiewicz Studio harmonize with the concept of intertwining our thoughts with nature, creating a space rich in complex details and textures, where emotions find tangible form. The ensemble evokes a contemporary temple, serving as a space where we seek dynamic harmony and balance, if only for a fleeting moment.

„Don’t try to understand it. Feel it.” – Tenet