Roots in Identity
My practice has a basis within traditional sculpture, with a contemporary approach to the context. I believe the process comes hand in hand with the outcome, which includes research and thematic exploration. My choice of medium is wood for its intricacies and space for symbolism. However, combining varied materials is what allows for further possibilities of creating and new conclusions. David Nash has been a great influence on how wood can be shaped as well as how it can be accompanied by drawings and the setting itself. I also cannot stay away from Magdalena Abakanowicz and her multidisciplinary work full of grandeur and thematic deepness, whilst it is Walpoth that I go to for figural admiration.
Most recently my research has taken me into the realm of identity, and more significantly the investigation of the relationship between oneself and their nationality. Immigrating as a young child from Poland to the UK allows me to draw emotion from personal experience. The work on display is a cumulation of complexities found within the exploration of my own roots and the core of my nationhood. It has been an investigation of the dreaded question ‘Who am I?’. The drawings featured are my family members, each with a different history. The scultpures reference the subconscious impact that nationality has on identity. All work is connected. I collected birchwood from the forest in my homeland then brought it to Scotland, turned it into charcoal and ash to be then used to produce the drawings, and glazes for the ceramic pieces.
Gabriela Proszowska was born in Warsaw, Poland to Polish parents. She immigrated with her family to Yorkshire, UK at the age of five and is the youngest out of six children. Studied Contemporary Art Practice at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen, Scotland. In the meantime spent a semester abroad, studying at the Fine Art Academy in Prague, Czechia in 2022 with the figural sculpture atelier. Gabriela graduated in 2023 and received the RGU Art and Heritage Purchase Prize Award - Highly Commended. From Scotland, Gabriela moved back to Poland after 18 years to investigate further her projects and the theme of nationhood. She is currently working as a primary school teacher whilst further developing personal projects as well as her skills at open workshop courses at the Fine Art Academy in Warsaw.
2019 - 2023
Gray’s School of Art, Aberdeen - Contemporary Art Practice (Sculpture)
2023
RGU Art and Heritage Purchase Prize Award