Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Kenar.
Peter, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in Krosno, Poland. While growing up, I was able to experience the gray deprivation of the communist state and the middle age level power of the Catholic Church. I moved to United States with my family when I was fourteen. My father was going to lose his job with the military. Coming her was an incredible shock, displacement. Many crazy stories have written themselves in my life since then, but we should probably get to know each other first.
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
My practice involves both object making and performance. The idea of a “process” is the main driving force in my studio. To me, the term “process” also becomes closely related to a ritual. My work is about ritual and division between what people may consider as sacred and profane spaces. My work address the difference between art and a functional object such as religious art. Although my experiences with religious upbringing are brutally negative, I find a great level of nostalgia for the atmospheres which I have witnessed as a child. I do not use any religious imagery within my compositions, instead I rely on architectural elements as well as an aura of history to provoke a sensation in which the audience may look for more than art.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
My advice is for young artists. Go and experience as such as you can in life and learn how to observe so that your creative vision has a real meaning. Learn as much as you can, that is something that no one can take away from you. Be honest with yourself when you ask: Why am I doing this?
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My most recent show happened earlier this year at Chicago Cultural Center during their Performance Series. Currently I have been working on an immensely complicated project, this great undertaking will take about two more months before I am able to show.
Contact Info:
- Website: peterkenar.com
- Phone: 6302996002
- Email: peterkenar@gmail.com
- Instagram: crocowolves
Image Credit:
The performance photographs were taken by Christopher Leh.
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