Monika Ziobrowska

In conversation with Humph Hack - Curator

Monika was born in Poland, but has lived in London for over 20 years. She told me, “I consider it my home. The city’s incredible diversity and artistic energy have profoundly influenced my work”.

I asked her when she began making art. “I’ve been drawing and painting since childhood, but I became serious about it later in life. Over time, what started as a hobby evolved into a full-time passion and career”.

She studied at an Art College in Poland, where she developed her technical skills and artistic voice. But she was keen to tell me, “A lot of my growth as an artist has come from personal experimentation and observing the work of others”.

Monika is drawn to subjects which evoke emotion. “It might be the whimsy of animals, the vibrancy of city life, or the quiet beauty of everyday moments”. Her work often explores themes of nostalgia, playfulness, and storytelling.

Like all artists she admires the work of others. “Vincent van Gogh for his expressive brushwork, Francis Bacon for his raw emotion, and contemporary artists like Liu Xiaodong, John Currin, and Mark Grotjahn for their innovative use of colour and form”.

An artist’s choice of medium is always interesting. “I love working with acrylics and mixed media because of their versatility and fast drying time”. But she also enjoys digital painting, “for its endless creative possibilities”.

Monika often uses a wide range of mixed media techniques to bring texture and depth to her work.

As you would expect her work has evolved over time.

“My early work was more traditional and detailed, Now, I’ve embraced a looser, more expressive style. I experiment with different techniques, from textured layering to bold colour palettes, which have added more depth and energy to my pieces”.

When asked about the future, Monika told me that she plans to expand her portfolio – “Take on larger-scale projects, including murals and collaborations with other artists”. She would love to host more exhibitions and make her work more accessible through prints and digital platforms.

Her philosophy when making art is clear – “Art should bring joy, spark imagination, and create connections. If my work makes someone smile, pause, or feel something, then I’ve done my job as an artist”.