In his 2023 manifesto, “You are Mine,” Ziółkowski reflects on the universe, human nature, and his own existence. He contemplates his role within this vast scheme, examining his identity and purpose amidst the profound existential questions explored in his artwork. Reflecting, he explains:
The great abiding permanence is simultaneously a great transformation. The space of events and possibilities vibrates with life. Reality happens, unfolding its song between life and death. One the result of the other; the world feeds on itself, the snake swallows its tail. There is no refuge from inevitable transformation. Acquiescence in and comprehension of constant movement.
I’m in motion, I’m creating. If I’m moving, this means the action has a direction. I must be availing myself of something. What system does life avail itself of? It will always pursue something. It will always be me, until dissolution, until liberation.
Various events scroll in front of my systems of evaluation and interpretation. Some seem good for life, others represent doom and death, although the sphere is neutral, it contains all possibilities. I am inside a game of life where the basic principle is a constant mindfulness, the evolving instinct of nature. I choose to surrender to the reality I find and serve the world. The story of life becomes illuminated by a narrative of bright, friendly light pervading all that exists.
Who am I? I ask. And who do you want to be?
What do you all want to be? Do you think you are yourselves?
You are mine - so speaks the sign of events.
You are mine.
Jakub Julian Ziolkowski b. 1980
Jakub Julian Ziółkowski, born on March 2, 1980, in Zamość, Poland, is a renowned Polish artist known for his captivating exploration of the human psyche. Graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, Ziółkowski draws inspiration from literature, mythology, and psychology.
His work, heavily influenced by surrealism and masters like Hieronymus Bosch, delves into themes of identity, memory, and existential angst. Notably, his "Psychonauts" series invites viewers into a surreal realm where reality merges with the imaginary, provoking introspection and self-discovery.
Ziółkowski's multidisciplinary approach extends to sculpture and installation art, pushing the boundaries of contemporary expression. Despite international acclaim, he remains rooted in Poland, drawing from its landscapes and cultural heritage for inspiration.
As a visionary artist, Jakub Julian Ziółkowski continues to challenge norms, inviting audiences worldwide on a journey of profound introspection through his evocative and thought-provoking works.
Auction Results Jakub Julian Ziolkowski
