Irena Siwek

Irena Siwek was born in Cracow, Poland and moved to United States in 1992. She studied at Dominican University in River Forest IL and received a Bachelor degree in mathematics in 1997. Irena Siwek is a pen and ink artist who for nearly two decades has followed her passion for drawing.

Her distinctive self-taught perspective contributes to the creative authenticity of her work, which is intriguing, engaging and introspective. Subjects of marionettes, human and animal forms are reoccurring themes in Siwek’s work, through which she explores how we coexist within the world of interdependence. Her drawings exhibit attributes of whimsy abstract expressionism, surrealism and fantasy.

artist statement

The movement of my hand subconsciously creates the form. Each stroke inspires the next; in return a certain flow is created. There is an absolute connection between my thoughts, feelings and the movement of my hand. I carefully yet spontaneously place lines to emanate texture, contrast and depth and in the process invent captivating stories. My artwork is infused with cultural memories and reminiscences of fairy tales from my childhood in Poland. Inspiration comes from people, nature and unpretentious things encountered in life....

BA in mathematics, Dominican University, River Forest IL | 1997

ARC’s Gallery’s “The Base Line: An Exhibition on Drawing” | Group Show | June 24, 2015 – July 18, 2015

DreamBox Gallery - Solo Show | Chicago, IL | April 3 - June 30, 2015 |

Polish Museum of America - 79th Annual Group Exhibition | Chicago, IL | April 26 - May 1, 2015 | third place winner |