Dream States with Malgorzata

It’s no secret that photography changed art forever.

When cameras came on the scene, reality could now be captured in a startlingly new way. Results that took hours of precision brushstrokes were now accomplished in a fraction of the time. Painters and artists were stunned by this groundbreaking ability to capture a moment completely. At the time, photography threatened to become a creative boogeyman, the next big thing that would end life as painters knew it.

And this fear wasn’t ungrounded. To a major extent, the invention of photography disrupted livelihoods and challenged ideas around art. Impressionism, which focused more on the sensory experience and the ephemeral qualities of a scene, began to take hold in the painting world. Photography didn’t fully usher in the Impressionist era, but it certainly helped by pushing painters to use their tools differently, to find a way through the changing landscape.

This brings us to the present, when art has been disrupted (yet again) by modern tools. However, cameras are still used, and painters still paint. And so, today’s feature feels a bit like serendipity (with a sprinkle of hope).

"They say that all the wishes people once speak in passing - and later forget - never truly die. They turn into daisies. That is why they grow in such abundance. Each white petal is an unfulfilled dream. Each yellow heart holds a small fragment of hope. And whenever the wind passes through the meadow, all those wishes whisper at once..."

Malgorzata’s imagery often feels closer to Impressionist paintings than documentary photographs. Her photos are a naturalist dream state... fuzzy like our memories, thoughts, and wishes. And yet, they're recognizable. We know these subjects, but we're guided to feel something more fantastical through how they're shown.

Using vintage lenses and new camera bodies, Malgorzata has crafted her own unique style. The character of her old glass conjures fairytale atmospheres using a beautiful mix of bokeh and clarity. Today's sensors and editing tools provide precision and control. This fusion creates emphasis, mood, and eye-catching color exactly where she wants it.

Regardless of the technological break-throughs, the magic of art remains. Our wealth of knowledge and ability does not diminish the desire to create and appreciate art.

The through line has always been a human with vision.

Thanks for the reminder, Malgorzata.