Crowd

Observation of an anonymous crowd is one of important sources of inspiration for Bartek Materka. The first series featuring this motif came into being in 2010. A decade later the artist returned to the subject. The composition shows a crowd seen from above. The schemtaically depicted figures tightly fill the canvas. The use of contrasting colours combined with deep black intensifies the reception.
For many years Materka has been collecting photos documenting all sorts of gatherings: public protests, riots, marches, as well as concerts and sports events. A bird's-eye view may suggest distance to people, who are deprived of their individuality.

Bartek Materka (b. 1973) pursues painting, photography and graphic arts. In 2004 he graduated from the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow. His works are in the collections of the MOCAK in Krakow, the Bunkier Sztuki Gallery of Contemporary Art as well as in numerous private collections.