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Over the centuries it has been accepted that what is feminine is usually gentle, delicate and submissive, but somewhere deep inside lies power, darkness and mystery. Frustrated due to upbringing, religious beliefs, place of birth, and duplication behaviors learned from home, they could not grow freely. Referring to the experiences of many women shaped by tradition, formed in the name of culture and authority, I show how easy it is to lose a bond with one's own nature.
Without knowing yourself, you can easily succumb to an attitude of passivity and narrow-minded views set by religious dogmas and strong personalities. But in this numbness, under the layer of other people's ideas flows the power and potential of previous generations. In the symbolism of birds, the author finds this potential which has not been destroyed. Birds identified with wisdom, protection and danger in fairy tales and beliefs helped to make contact with the afterlife or heralded upcoming events. Different species were assigned to different meanings. Predatory eagles and falcons were compared with gods, warriors and shamans due to their strength, powerful claws and sharp beaks. They symbolized a free spirit or fearless leader. Owls caused fear and dark references due to their noiseless flight and night activity. Their gaze penetrating darkness gave them the ability of the prophets and the power of all-seeing. Dark plumage and hoarse sounds of ravens, crows brought announcements of misfortune, mourning and seclusion. They also depicted omniscience and memory, which is why they were identified with witches.
In her project, the artist combines these associations with the images of women of her family. The works constitute an important element in the search for one's own identity. Cyanotype portraits, canvas panels and a sculpture by her daughter Zuzanna Kryńska create an open space of contact with the self and family ties. The potential of previous generations and the strength that lies within it become a support –not a burden, a resource –not a lack. Just listen to the Silence of the Heart.
Katarzyna Kalua Kryńska (Warsaw, Poland) is an architect, designer and photographer. PhD in photography. Belongs to the Association of Polish Artists Photographers. Her photographs have been shown in numerous individual and collective exhibitions in Poland, Ireland, Portugal, Holland, Germany and US. She specializes in emotional photography, portraits and fine art photography, using traditional and alternative photography. Winner of the 5th Annual Black & White Spider Awards photo competition in the Still Life category, the 9th Annual International Color Award and Julia Margaret Cameron Award. Her works from series Between Two Moons in the wet collodion technique took first place in the Wet Plate Competition Canada. Enthusiast of analogue photography, works with photosensitive materials.