How This Artist Transforms Memory into Matter Through Art

Anna Radecka pictured in her studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Using a unique blend of painting and silkscreen printing, Featured Artist Anna Radecka transforms intense feelings into visual experiences.

Born in Łódź, Poland, and now creating between France and her homeland, Anna’s work dives deep into the human experience.

“The human being, his emotions, and his untold stories are the main axis of my work,” Anna Radecka explains. Through her art, she captures the raw vibrations of intense emotions, blending bitmaps, materials, and vibrant colors to bring them to life. Giving substance to an emotion and matter to memory is the very essence of Anna Radecka’s artistic research.

Working in series allows her to develop her visions based on the same motif, the same moment—as if she can stretch it out in space, pause the emotion, and examine it under a magnifying glass.

Artwork Archive had the chance to chat with Anna Radecka about her creative process, what impacts she hopes her work will have, and how Artwork Archive helps her manage her art career. ​ 

You can see more of her work on Discovery and learn more about her art practice below:

Anna Radecka in her studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Can you walk us through your creative process? 

In the beginning, there is an emotion or intention. It’s not always clear, but there’s a need for me to paint it.

Sometimes, I find inspiration in textures or photos of antique and medieval sculptures. I love antique sculptures, especially the way time leaves marks on them.

Very often, I start with textures and color stains. I put myself in a meditative state, trying not to think and just letting the process flow. I apply the first layer very quickly—it's important to maintain energy and capture the essence of the feeling, so I need to work fast.

After this initial phase, I slow down and build the painting layer by layer. Sometimes this process takes a month, sometimes two or more.

The nature of my oil technique requires time.

 

You use both painting and silkscreen printing in your art. How do these two mediums complement each other in expressing the emotional depth you explore?

I use elements from my previous screen prints, making transfers to recover the textures of bitmaps and pixels.

It's quite a surprising process—there's always something unexpected! In screen printing, I work with a pixel-based system, creating and manipulating the pixels in Photoshop.

When I make my prints, I experiment a lot with transparency and layering, which creates a vibrating effect. I then mix this with oil on canvas.

The contrast between the graphic dots and the brushstrokes forms my artistic vocabulary.

Anna Radecka, Chapeau, 92 x 73 x 2 cm, 2023

What role does color play in your art, especially in terms of recreating the "vibrations" of intense emotions?

Color is the carrier of emotions, so I choose the palette according to the mood I want to convey to viewers.

I build the paintings using no more than three colors—one dominates, holding everything together. Light and contrast are also two very important elements.

 

What impact do you hope to have on those who view your artwork?

I hope to create some trouble! :)

I aim to provoke or evoke emotions of any kind.

I want to make people feel.

 

In hindsight, what’s something you wish you knew before becoming a professional artist? 

I wish I had known how to keep an archive of my works, organize my art days, talk about my art, find a mentor, and determine pricing.

Anna Radecka, La fille en magenta. The girl in magenta colour, 100 x 81 x 2cm, 2023

What do you think is the most misunderstood aspect of being a professional artist? 

Being a professional artist is an everyday commitment, and creativity is a challenging part of the process.

An artist needs time.

 

Was there a specific instance or time you realized you needed something like Artwork Archive to inventory your artwork and manage your art career?

When I decided to take my art journey seriously, I started feeling lost managing photos of my paintings, descriptions of my work, and more. That’s when I discovered Artwork Archive. I soon found everything so much easier with the platform.

One more thing—I'm not alone. It’s very important to me that I’m part of a community with a team of people who understand my challenges and my world. 

Anna Radecka, Red Light, 33 x 24 cm, 2024

What is your favorite Artwork Archive feature? 

Artwork Archive is like my second hand. I use the Collections feature often to organize all of my paintings and screen prints.

It's so helpful when I have an exhibition—everything is organized, and I can easily preview my work together. Plus, all of the information is in one place, and I can access it anytime, anywhere.

I also love using the Reports feature—Tear Sheets are one of my favorites. It's a very professional, practical, and elegant way to present my images, prices, and other details during my Exhibitions. 

I often use the Public Profile to communicate with galleries and collectors. The Exhibitions feature helps me keep track of what’s running, what’s happened, and what will happen.

Artwork Archive is a really great platform that keeps me organized and makes me feel happy with my art business.

What advice would you give an artist who’s just starting out in their professional career?

Organize and archive your work and find a community of artists to belong to—it really helps! :)

A view of Anna Radecka's studio. Photo courtesy of the artist

Anna Radecka uses Artwork Archive to professionalize her practice, track exhibitions she's a part of, communicate with galleries and collectors, and more.

You can make an online portfolio, catalog your artwork, and generate reports like inventory reports, tear sheets, and invoices in seconds with Artwork Archive. Take a look at Artwork Archive's free trial and start growing your art business.