i r e n a . s i w e k

| October 16, 2025 to November 17, 2025 |

| got?art contemporary studio 904 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, IL |

Timeless Echoes pays tribute to one of my greatest artistic inspirations—Rodolfo Morales, the renowned Mexican painter known as the "Master of Dreams." After discovering Morales' work, I immersed myself in his world, creating a body of drawings that reflect his dreamlike, symbolic style through my own distinct visual language. Some of the pieces in this series are direct interpretations of Morales’ paintings—reimagined in my signature medium of pen and ink—transforming his rich, colorful compositions into intricate monochrome studies that capture both reverence and reinvention. These works form a visual dialogue between cultures, blending my Polish roots with the vibrancy of Mexican traditions. Through rich textures and imaginative imagery, Timeless Echoes invites viewers into a world where fantasy, memory, and cultural heritage converge, stirring thought and evoking a deep appreciation for beauty in art.

| September 5, 2025 - October 10, 2025 |

Marshall J. Gardner Center for the Arts 540 S Lake St., Gary, IN 46403

“Out of Trend” is a captivating new exhibition featuring two recent series by Irena Siwek, each offering a deeply personal exploration of identity, culture, and the human experience beyond the boundaries of contemporary trends.

The first series, Timeless Echoes, pays tribute to one of Irena’s greatest artistic inspirations—Rodolfo Morales, the renowned Mexican painter known as the "Master of Dreams." After discovering Morales' work, Irena immersed herself in his world, creating a body of drawings that reflect his dreamlike, symbolic style through her own distinct visual language. Some of the pieces in this series are direct interpretations of Morales’ paintings—reimagined in her signature medium of pen and ink—transforming his rich, colorful compositions into intricate monochrome studies that capture both reverence and reinvention. These works form a visual dialogue between cultures, blending Irena’s Polish roots with the vibrancy of Mexican traditions. Through rich textures and imaginative imagery, Timeless Echoes invites viewers into a world where fantasy, memory, and cultural heritage converge, stirring thought and evoking a deep appreciation for beauty in art.

The second series, n=1, consists of diptychs that examine the symmetry and tension within a single human life. Each pair of drawings explores opposing yet interconnected states—joy and sorrow, light and darkness, fulfillment and longing—or focuses on a singular force that shapes one’s identity. Positioned side by side, the diptychs create a visual and emotional conversation, prompting viewers to reflect on the paradoxes and harmonies within themselves. Through meticulous detail and quiet intensity, n=1 becomes a meditative exploration of the inner dualities that define our shared humanity.

Together, these two series form Out of Trend—a thoughtful, intimate exhibition that moves beyond stylistic fads to explore enduring themes of cultural identity, personal transformation, and the universal search for meaning.

| got?art contemporary studio 904 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, IL |

The exhibit showcases works prioritizing form, color, and texture over representational or realistic depictions. These pieces evoke emotions, ideas, or moods without directly portraying recognizable objects or scenes. The exhibit invites viewers to interpret the works subjectively, engaging with the visual elements and exploring their responses to the non-literal compositions. Whether through geometric shapes, fluid brushstrokes, or bold color contrasts, the abstract art on display encourages a deep, personal connection with the art, challenging traditional boundaries and celebrating the beauty of pure abstraction.

Group show 540 S. Lake Street, Gary, IN 46403

“Out of Trend” pays homage to my favorite artist Rodolfo Morales. After being introduced to Morales’ works, I devoted a few years to creating drawings inspired by the Master of Dreams. The exhibit is a journey through what is a mixture of two cultures: Polish and Mexican. It moves the viewer into the world of fantasy and imagination while provoking thoughts and fulfilling the need for beauty in art.

November 10 - December 31, 2023

6960 Oakton Street, Niles, IL

Reception Friday, December 22, 5:30-7 pm | Live music perfomance by classical pianist, Bazyli Siwek.

Threshold Design for Back Home: Polish Chicago

Through the lens of Chicago’s Polish communities, experience the journeys immigrants have taken to get to the city, the ways they have established themselves in its neighborhoods, and the duality of feeling a deep connection to two places at once.

Back Home: Polish Chicago features more than 90 artifacts and documents as well as more than 100 reproduced photographs to help tell the story of the Chicago area’s vibrant Polish communities from the mid-1800s to today. Explore personal narratives, music, community involvement, as well as art installations from five local Polish artists.

May 20 - July 1, 2022 4th floor Gallery

The exhibition, PROXIMITY - Nearness in Space and Time, is a visual narrative of FIVE POLISH WOMEN ARTISTS who refuse to be defined exclusively by language as their cultural identity, and who assert themselves into being and belonging by creating from within the multicultural experience.  
Their identity is never static but is always in the making, stimulating the creative exploration. Language and cultural memories can be adopted and translated into images that transcend spoken language. The presence of the past always alters reality, but our perception of reality leaves a lot to the imagination. What bridges memory of the past with the present is the willingness of artists to confront boundaries and transform them within their work.

DreamBox Gallery

2415 W North Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60647