Michael Polakowski's work explores the relationship between the inner and outer worlds, emerging from an intuitive need to express emotional and sensory experiences of his lived environment. What began as instinctive mark-making has evolved into a metaphysical and transcendental framework, drawing inspiration from figures such as Agnes Pelton and Giorgio de Chirico.
Over time, Polakowski's practice has shifted to focus on the spirituality embedded in everyday life. Each painting is envisioned as a portal-an invitation for viewers to slow down and enter a quieter, more contemplative space. This vision reflects his personal journey through various theological and philosophical traditions, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Alchemy.
Both in art and in life, Polakowski seeks to detach from material consumption and instead prioritize spiritual and communal connection. This ethos feels especially urgent in today's climate, as society reckons with environmental degradation and cultural disconnection. The spiritual dimension of his work acts as a subtle call to action, encouraging viewers to recognize their place within a shared, fragile world.
Polakowski's process begins with automatic drawings-a technique rooted in Surrealist and spiritualist traditions, intended to bypass rational thought and access subconscious imagery. These initial sketches are then researched and cross-referenced, with symbolic content often tied to Theosophy and shaped by his Catholic upbringing. The resulting forms become surrogates for human characteristics and metaphysical questions.
Following this symbolic mapping, Polakowski creates extensive digital renderings to plan the final compositions. These works are then brought to life using airbrush and acrylic on canvas-or more recently, on concrete-resulting in vivid, highly detailed paintings that offer a meditative and visually immersive experience.