Printmaking as a Pair. Jadwiga Kaim‑Otręba and Ryszard Otręba

The album presents a selection of works by Jadwiga and Ryszard Otręba, outstanding artists who were also linked by their love for graphic arts. Although their works differ in terms of technique and form, the publication is an attempt to find common references and experiences that connect them.

We often ask ourselves: “What is the most important thing in life?”. Love, goodness, beauty (not only understood
in aesthetic terms)? Or is it empathy? This timeless dilemma seems to be resolved when we think about the lives of two artists who are also partners in real life – Jadwiga Kaim-Otręba and Ryszard Otręba – a couple united by love and art who seem to be the embodiment of goodness, beauty and empathy. – says Agata Wąsowska-Pawlik, director of the ICC.

The album presents the works of two outstanding artists, couple for sixty years, who were also linked by their love for graphics. It is also a story about studies, family and joint work told by Jadwiga Kaim Otręba and Ryszard Otręba, answering Monika Rydiger’s questions.

Jadwiga Kaim-Otręba is an artist who places humanity at the centre of her art, while her works bring a sense of acceptance of life in all its variety. Lyricism, femininity, a sensitive presentation of the prosaic and spiritual sphere of everyday life – these are the elements that can be found in her painterly graphics. It is beautiful, timeless and contemplative art.

Professor Ryszard Otręba has secured a permanent place in the history of Polish art as an artist recognised and appreciated not only in the country but also abroad. His characteristic ascetic and minimalist works are a real lesson in artistic craftsmanship and mastery in the technical aspects of printmaking. His professional artistic life was linked with the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, where he was a professor for many years. There, he created the pioneering Department of Visual Communication, which laid the foundations for a contemporary approach to design and applied arts.

The catalogue was published on the occasion of Printmaking as a Pair. Jadwiga Kaim-Otręba and Ryszard Otręba, an exhibition on show at the ICC Gallery from February 2nd to March 28th, 2021.

Album, Polish‑English version.