Henryk Krolikowski (PL)
Text written by GHA
Spanding almost two meters in width, the large linocut “The Boat I” from Polish artist Henryk Krolikowski depicts a large maritime vessel gradually dissolving into an undefined space. With the imposing presence of the subject, which is further emphasized by its size, the work rendered in shades of gray challenges the notion of permanence in a world that is increasingly both interconnected and fragile.
The motif is created by a composition of small vertical lines, giving the image an almost pixelated look. This method of image construction simultaneously brings out the motif and dissolves it, almost as if the boat were breaking apart. With its monumental size, the work completely dominates the viewer’s visual field and its overwhelming presence creates a feeling of unease.
The boat as subject is representative of themes such as shipping, supply chains, and global interconnectedness on which modern society depends. Contrasting this, the boat appear isolated and almost ghostly, creating a sense of fragility in what is usually perceived as a strong industrial pillar of the modern world. Together with the ambiguous space, it suggests a questioning of the systems and objects we rely on but rarely consider. The visual tension between presence and absence, distinctness and fragmentation, size and isolation, invites the viewer to reflect on the uncertainty that lies beneath the surface of the familiar.
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The Boat I The Boat II
