Paulina Krzemieniecka

Your work combines elements of fashion design and painting – how do these two practices influence each other in your creative process?

I have a very specific style, both in terms of fashion and painting. At some point I realised that if I want to fully express myself I need to start making my own clothes and making fully original paintings (I started my painting journey by doing portraits and other forms that, in my opinion, didn’t require as much creativity).  As I evolved in both of those art forms, I came up with the idea to combine them as I loved doing photoshoots with my paintings. Now I find myself matching my two beloved crafts to create one of a kind scenery that connects fashion with paintings. I usually start with paintings as they take longer than sewing but I also improvise a lot with both.

Your art often explores dark and unsettling imagery. What draws you to this aesthetic?

I’ve recently heard that people with anxiety love horror movies because they can experience fear in a controlled environment and I think that’s the reason I evolved in this direction. Of course my mental health plays a part, It’s a way for me to put all the disturbing thoughts into art instead of acting out. I love all things gruesome and creepy as far as art goes. I often take my friends to old cemeteries and find myself being the only one that’s not scared, I really love that feeling since it’s usually the other way around. People think it’s weird but those things bring me comfort for some reason.

Paulina Krzemieniecka | S_____ d__ on zombie island

You describe your art as a way of coping with mental health challenges. When did you first realize that art could serve this role for you?

When I was younger my paintings were mostly focused on portraits, I loved to paint my favourite musical artists, back then it was mostly a way to relieve stress. Painting and crafts in general are my favourite ways to relax.  I also struggle with depressive episodes and art was the only thing that could force me to get out of bed sometimes. The biggest step was definitely starting to paint my own complex original ideas. I immediately realised that this is the way I can show people how I feel about things, I think it was the best thing I’ve ever done for my art.

Paulina Krzemieniecka | Meowl

Some of your works reflect personal experiences with BPD and anxiety. How do you decide what to share and what to keep private?

I’m currently conflicted about this very thing- I’m finishing a new painting but it’s extremely personal and kinda brutal to be honest. It’s hard because I know my tolerance for this imagery is very high, knowing that my loved ones see my art and think about how I felt making it breaks my heart. But I also hate taboo- I grew up in a tiny conservative town in Poland and I might have been one of the first people in my generation to be fully open about my mental health and therapy. It’s important to talk about these things because so many people are afraid to. Sometimes it’s hard to decide what crosses the line but then I remember all of my favourite paintings are very gruesome and I go back to painting.

The theatrical elements in your paintings – such as masks, curtains, and staged compositions – feel very intentional. What do they symbolize for you?

I’ve always loved a good mystery and art that forces you to  read into details. Sometimes I put meaning into specific items and sometimes it’s purely for aesthetics. I also have a brief background in theatre so it comes easy to explore themes such as life being a performance.

Paulina Krzemieniecka | Judgement day

What kind of emotional response do you hope your audience experiences when viewing your work?

I think there is a small group of people thet truly gets all of my art without  much explaining and it’s mostly those who share my mental disorders, I got so much positive feedback on my painting “Borderline” from people that heavily relate with my issues so I truly hope that it gives them comfort knowing they are not alone in their struggles. I also get the opinion that my art is too moody or dark, sometimes even scary but I honestly take it as a compliment.

Paulina Krzemieniecka | Borderline

Has sharing your work publicly changed your relationship with your mental health?

Definitely. Knowing that people can relate has also been a great experience for me and made me feel way less isolated in my mental states. These types of disorders make you feel like no one will ever understand but as it turns out art can be helpful for both sides involved – the artists and the recipients. I think it helps build community and it’s truly amazing.