Malgosia Stepnik opens her first solo exhibition at Scream this April – States of Mind – a dynamic exhibition showcasing an abstract and evocative journey through the mind. The exhibition will see a collection of Stepnik’s signature illuminated works on display that use organic forms and a spectrum of colour to evoke the inner workings of the human psyche.

Stepnik studied Sociology and Psychology at the University of Wroclaw in her native Poland, before moving to London to pursue her career in fine art, studying Modern and Contemporary Art Studies at Christie’s, and graduating with First Class hons in BA Fine Arts at City & Guilds London College of Art.  Malgosia’s approach to painting is unique – a translation of emotional states into abstract forms through the cathartic process of painting.  With the highly-skilled application of textures, shapes and layers of paint, the actual process of painting becomes a therapy and a channel for these emotions.  This is also reinforced with the time it takes for each work to be completed, predominantly over a period of many months.

The resulting works are like explosions of energy captured on panel.  The exhibition demonstrates a persistent investigation in creating a rich, complex visual language of organic forms, flowing lines and reverberating colours – a kaleidoscope of biomorphic forms that accumulate into complicated visual arrangements.  Stepnik pushes the boundaries of painting further with her illuminated works, where painstakingly executed paintings on aluminum panels are surround by a bespoke lighting system which is incorporated into the frame.  The LED lights change over time creating a profound visual and spiritual experience for the viewer.  As the light changes different elements of each work are pulled to the fore and the paintings seem to pulsate and take on a life of their own, almost becoming living beings in themselves.  The forms fluctuate and transmutate before the viewer’s eyes, absorbing the spectator completely in their powerful display.