KASIA KALDOWSKI    Quo Vadis project

Byzantium & Margarita

acrylic on canvas 2m x 1.6m

The painting Byzantium & Margarita explores the conflict between a woman and authority — in this case, the church hierarchy. The woman seeks the freedom to decide her own life. She is shown fully covered, except for her face, which looks straight at the viewer with courage. She holds an open golden cage. Behind her stands a small crowd of men, many of them clergy, turned towards a golden altar. Their devotion seems hypocritical, for the church should serve people — including her. The painting leaves the decision to the viewer: will they turn towards her, or will she close the cage and return to submission? Created during the winter lockdown, this work was first shown as part of the Quo Vadis exhibition during the European Night of Museums in 2021.

Veni Vidi Vici

acrylic on canvas 2m x 1.6m

SOLD

The painting Veni Vidi Vici addresses an ecological deforestation issue — the destruction of palm forests for human consumption and pleasure. At its centre sits an orangutan on a velvet purple armchair, in front of a burning forest. The ground around him is still smouldering, with ashes and smoke. Wearing a jester’s hat, the orangutan looks out with pleading eyes. The image suggests humanity as the emperor who treats Earth as his playground, while turning its rightful inhabitant — the orangutan — into a court clown. Created during the winter lockdown, this painting was first exhibited as part of the Quo Vadis project during the European Night of Museums in 2021.