Oil Painter ‘Tattoos’ the Art of Old Masters on Her Female Subjects

“The Great Wave,” after Hokusai Katsushika.

Since we last checked in with painter Agnieszka Nienartowicz, she has continued to hone her skills and produce stunning oil paintings. Inspired by the world of Old Master art, her canvases typically incorporate motifs from well-known artists like Caravaggio, Hokusai, and Sandro Botticelli. Popping up as contemporary tattoos on the skin of the women she portrays, they are a wonderful tribute to the past that also looks toward the future.

One is initially drawn into Nienartowicz’s work due to her technical skill. Bordering on hyperrealism, her paintings have barely a brushstroke that’s visible to the naked eye. Each woman is portrayed with incredible accuracy and detail. It’s only when drinking in these visuals that the historical details begin to reveal themselves. Whether it’s John James Aubudon’s Birds of America peeking from beneath the shirt of a woman with her back turned to the canvas or Guido Reni’s depiction of Jesus and Mary as sleeve tattoos on a downtrodden girl, each classic painting informs the significance of the artwork.

Particularly meaningful to Nienartowicz is her Girl in White triptych. Over the course of three canvases, we see the same girl in different stages of undress and as she slowly unzips her dress, a spectacular surprise awaits. The Last Judgement by Hans Memling, a masterful 15th-century triptych, covers nearly her entire torso. The paintings are deeply personal for the artist, as they are partially an expression of her experience as a Polish emigrant.

Reflecting on the difficult past of her ancestors and how this has informed her outlook on life, she writes about her initial impressions of Americans and how different their attitudes were in comparison to what she was used to. “I remember my surprise after the first contact with these people—how much joy, openness, and positive attitudes towards the world is in them,” she recalls. “I think that there is a sadness in me that transferred from the blood of previous generations, who experienced suffering. I think many of us Poles are—often without even knowing it—deeply scarred by hard history; the stigmas of unfulfilled dreams, traces of surgery on aching souls, disfigurement after difficult choices, and wounds of tragic events. These scars are the tattoos of survival.”

Still early in her career, it’s thrilling to see Nienartowicz’s art grow and progress. As she continues to develop her craft and find her voice, we’ll be anxiously waiting to see what’s next.

Agnieszka Nienartowicz’s oil paintings incorporate the art of Old Masters as tattoos on the skin of her subjects.

“Hunter,” after John James Audubon.

“Medusa,” after Caravaggio.

Her hyperrealistic style seamlessly melds historic paintings and contemporary art.

“Lost Hope,” after Guido Reni.

“What You Really Want,” after Sandro Botticelli.

Her triptych, Girl in White, is a deeply personal set of paintings set off by Hans Memling’s 15th century Last Judgement.

“Girl in White I” left panel of triptych “Girl in White,” after Hans Memling.

“Girl in White II” right panel of triptych “Girl in White,” after Hans Memling.

“Girl in White III” central panel of triptych “Girl in White,” after Hans Memling.

It’s thrilling to see how the young artist continues to hone her craft and produce quality oil paintings.

“Hunting,” after Paolo Uccello.

“Girl with the Tattoo,” after Rogier van der Weyden.

“Melancholy,” after Arcimboldo.

Agnieszka Nienartowicz: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Agnieszka Nienartowicz.

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