Contact Me
Slavek Pytraczyk
Born in Bielsko-Biała, Poland
Lives & works in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
My current process involves combining multiple layers of imagery often showcasing themes of urban decay and abandonment. These urban neglected spaces often seen as "eyesores" are prevalent in my current body of work where I attempt to call attention to what I consider insignificant spaces. By applying several images along side and over top of one another, I attempt to draw attention to spaces or structures that often are overlooked. The process of using multiple images often creates an abstraction or a less representational quality in my work lending itself to more a more imaginative narration, adding ambiguity to each piece. Many of the formal elements in my work symbolic in nature and at some points self-reflexive, alluding to the notion that I am a painter despite of the fact that the image may not inherently look like a painting.
Another recurring theme in my work is exploring the theme of opposites and subject matter that may not usually be inherently found together in the same location or space. Natural or living elements vs. human made structures is an area that I continually am involved in placing together within my works. I often look at how these opposing subjects can cohesively be blended together, or how can they play off one another or whether I can create a harmony or tension within the image.
I am interested in exploring the relationships between photography, painting, design and public art, often trying to blur the lines of how these fields of practice interact. Combining images of factual elements with more imaginative or fictionalized imagery is a another theme that can be found within my work.
Education
2006-2010
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Painting, Alberta University of the Arts,
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Alberta Society of Artists - High/Low (upcoming 2023)
Leighton Art Centre -21st Annual Juried Member's Show, 2023
Leighton Art Centre -20th Annual Juried Member's Show, 2022
Loft 112 Cards for Community, 2022
Leighton Art Centre -19th Annual Juried Member's Show, 2021
Kaffeeklatsch, 2021
THE GRAND, Calgary, Alberta, 2019
Britannia Merchants, Old Places, New Perspectives, Calgary, Alberta, 2016
THE GRAND, Calgary, Alberta, 2016
Movin' On Up, Avalanche! Institute of Contemporary Art, Calgary, Alberta, 2014
Paper Trail, Avalanche! Institute of Contemporary Art, Calgary, Alberta, 2013
Ville Fantome, Avalanche! Institute of Contemporary Art, Calgary, Alberta, 2013
Pauza, Krakow, Poland, 2011
22 Feet Out the Door, The Bows (Untitled Art Society), Calgary, Alberta, 2010
Professional Experience
Calgary City Centre Banner Artist (Upcoming ,2024)
THE BLOX 1905 Project, Public Art Installations, 2022
Guest Lecturer Extended Studies Alberta University of the Arts, 2018
Assistant to Ian Baxter& for installation at the Art Gallery of Calgary 2009
Publications
F-Stop Magazine Open Call Exhibit, Issue #119, 2023
Calgary Citizen Throwback Thursday, 2023
Bait/Switch Magazine 2023
Galleries West Magazine 2013
Volunteer Experience
Volunteer work at Wreck City, 2013
Taught elementary school workshop at St. Michael’s Elementary 2010
Scholarships & Awards
Jason Lang Scholarship 2006-2010