Ruth Poniarski is an artist, weaving a surreal tapestry that transcends conventional boundaries. With a background rooted in architecture, Poniarski’s artistic journey unfurled in the late 1980s, blossoming into a vivid exploration of painting.
Armed with a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute, Poniarski embarked on a decade-long odyssey in the construction field before her creative spirit beckoned her towards a new horizon. In 1988, she pivoted towards painting, embracing a medium that not only challenged her artistic faculties but also served as a profound conduit for self-expression. This pivotal shift marked the genesis of her enchanting oeuvre, characterized by a melange of surreal imagery and poignant themes drawn from myths, cultures, philosophies, and literature.
Central to Poniarski’s artistic vision is her unwavering commitment to amalgamating visual and literary art forms. In 1995, she embarked on a transformative journey, crafting poems that mirrored the essence of each painting—a harmonious fusion that transports viewers deeper into her realm of interpretation. Through this symbiotic relationship between painting and poetry, Poniarski invites audiences to embark on an introspective voyage, where each brushstroke and stanza serves as a portal to a world brimming with enigma and allure.
One of Poniarski’s works, “Rip Van Winkle’s Wife #2,” stands as a testament to her artistic skill and visionary storytelling. Executed in acrylic on canvas, this 42″x40″ artwork beckons viewers into a realm where time stands still, and reality intertwines seamlessly with reverie. Each brushstroke serves as a conduit to another dimension, inviting contemplation and introspection. Accompanying this evocative painting is a poem, delicately crafted to mirror its visual narrative. Through the marriage of painting and poetry, Poniarski offers a multi-dimensional experience, where each layer of interpretation unveils new depths of meaning and wonderment.
“As the wilderness grew beyond its tempered edge, the curious kingdom abandoned the rugged land. Embracing the relics of my chamber, creatures probe, a new fangled frontier, and adapt to my world of coveted dreams. Amid the silent hours, I bequeath a fallen time to a quixotic earth.”
With each stroke of her brush and each syllable of her verse, Poniarski beckons us to delve into the depths of our subconscious, where fantasies intertwine with reality, and dreams take flight. Through her surreal compositions and evocative poetry, she invites us to ponder the complexities of existence, the passage of time, and the interplay between the conscious and the subconscious mind.
As we stand on the threshold of Poniarski’s surreal universe, we are reminded of the transformative power of art—to ignite our imaginations, stir our emotions, and awaken our spirits to the infinite possibilities that lie within. In her paintings and poems, we find not only a reflection of the world around us but also a glimpse into the boundless depths of the human soul.
