1st PlaceWinner — “Colorful Expressions” Exhibit, Joanna Rostanska
We are thrilled to introduce Joanna Rostanska, the incredible first-place winner of our Colorful Expressions exhibition! Hailing from Olsztyn, Poland, Joanna’s creative journey began in childhood, nurtured by a vibrant immersion in the arts that ultimately led her to fall in love with painting and drawing. In our exclusive interview, she shares the story behind her award-winning piece, Bouquet for a Better World, a stunning, impressionistic artwork born from a personal celebration and a desire to bring beauty to a troubled world.
Joanna also gives us a glimpse into her intuitive approach to color, her unique connection to Latin American culture, and what it means to share her vision with a global audience in both physical and digital spaces. Dive into the full interview below to discover the passion, warmth, and inspiration behind her breathtaking art.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey as an artist—how you first discovered your passion for art and what has shaped your creative path over the years?
When I was little, my mother enrolled me in various children's art groups: art, music, rhythmics, and chorus. Over time, something had to prevail, and it was painting and drawing. Before going to college, I even took drawing lessons from a teacher who knew exactly how to prepare students for the university entrance exam.
"A Bouquet for a Better World," 2024 Acrylic on canvas 60 x 80 cm - Featured winning piece of the “Colorful Expressions” Online Exhibit
Every great work of art starts with a spark. Can you tell us about the specific inspiration behind your winning entry? Was there a particular moment, emotion, or observation that compelled you to bring this vision to life?
I received these flowers for my birthday. I thought they were beautiful, so I painted them. At the exhibition, the painting really caught people's attention, and someone even bought it. I called it Bouquet for a Better World because the title seemed very appropriate in these troubled times. I think I managed to paint this painting in a somewhat impressionistic way. I really like this trend in painting.
The 'Colorful Expressions' exhibition celebrates vibrant, high-energy storytelling. When you are standing in front of a blank canvas, how do you decide on your color palette? Do you choose colors that reflect your immediate emotional state, or is the relationship between the colors planned out beforehand to evoke a specific reaction from the viewer?
I combine colors differently. It depends on the situation. If I'm painting something from my imagination, I combine them as I imagine them. For example, I like to combine pink and orange. Some people think these colors don't work together, but I think they do. Especially if there's another color in the painting that harmonizes them. However, if I'm painting something from nature, I try to recreate the various shades, light, and shadow I observe.
Looking ahead, what direction do you see your art evolving toward, and are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re particularly excited about?
I try to participate in various exhibitions on various topics. These are both physical and online exhibitions. I'm happy that in these cases I can see paintings by artists from all over the world and show my work. For example, right now I'll be participating in an online exhibition celebrating Frida Kahlo's birthday. I find it a very pleasant topic. It's a bit like being invited to her birthday party. I still have projects for this year, but I don't really like talking about plans. They would have to be implemented first.
As an online art contest, your work is being viewed on screens all over the world. How does it feel to share your art in a digital space compared to a physical gallery, and how do you think that accessibility impacts the way people connect with your message?
Both types are interesting. When works are shown in person in a gallery, fewer people see them than exhibitions presented online. But this has its advantages: they are physically displayed, there's a vernissage, you can talk to guests in person, and various friends view the works. It's very pleasant. Online exhibitions are viewed by the whole world, and you can also make interesting connections with people from different parts of the world. The art of artists from different continents is very diverse and is influenced by cultural, geographic, social, and many other factors.
Anything else you want our audience to know about you?
I love Spain, Mexico, and Latin America in general. I identify with this part of the world. I lived in Mexico for a long time, studied, and worked there. I love the Mexican atmosphere, the entire culture and art of this country, the Indian customs, the food. And the fact that the people there so warmly make someone feel right at home
It is a true privilege to showcase Joanna Rostanska’s striking vision and soulful storytelling at the top of our Colorful Expressions lineup. Her ability to translate the light, shadow, and vivid beauty of the world around us, while infusing it with global inspiration and a deep sense of connection, is exactly what makes art so powerful.
We want to extend a massive thank you to Joanna for sharing her journey and her stunning artwork with our community. To stay connected with Joanna, explore more of her brilliant portfolio, and follow her upcoming creative ventures, be sure to visit her on Instagram (@joanna_rostanska). Keep an eye out for her vibrant pieces making waves across the world, both online and in galleries!
Connect with Joanna Rostanska:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joanna_rostanska/
