Joanna Ambroz is a Polish artist whose work delves into the complexities of human relationships, taboos, and the discomforts that arise from self-exploration. With a focus on painting, research in art, poster design, and book creation, her artistic practice embodies a profound inquiry into the essence of human experience. Ambroz emphasizes the importance of simplicity and conciseness, using metaphor to express deep emotions and ideas.
In 2023, she earned her doctorate from the Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice with her thesis titled Come, I Will Show You My Knives. The practical component of her work, a book also titled Come, I Will Show You My Knives, has been included in the collections of the National Museum in Poznań and was awarded in the competition for the Most Beautiful Polish Book of the Year 2023. This book was also presented at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, showcasing her innovative approach to reflective literature.
Ambroz’s academic journey is marked by excellence; she completed her master’s degree with distinction and received the Rector’s Award in 2018, following her bachelor’s degree, which she also completed with distinction and the Rector’s Medal in 2016, specializing in Graphic Design. Her undergraduate thesis, a book titled Cut – The Hair of the Polish Folks, was published by BOSZ Publishing in 2017 and is now part of the National Museum’s collection.
Her artistic endeavors are characterized by a research-oriented approach, where recognizing patterns in her own behavior and that of those around her—often limiting and destructive—serves as a catalyst for exploring new visual and conceptual territories. Through this exploration, she seeks to understand and transform uncomfortable behaviors into those that foster personal growth and self-development. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetic or formal aspects of her work, Ambroz prioritizes reflection on content and meaning, using her art as a tool for social and intellectual critique.
Ambroz’s palette is defined by two colors: red and blue. Red symbolizes awareness, tension, temperament, and conflict, while blue represents the subconscious, agreement, reflection, and mourning. She is intrigued by the interplay between these colors and the contrast that emerges from the exchange between intense sensations and the compulsion to suppress them.
Her work often takes on an introspective character, while projects such as posters, books, and murals serve as dialogue tools, allowing her to explore universal emotions, the challenges of interpersonal relationships, issues of gender, and social change. Joanna Ambroż’s artistic practice is not just about providing answers; it is about formulating questions that provoke thought and discussion.
Currently residing in Warsaw, her works are being exhibited at The CAMP Gallery in Miami, USA, as part of the exhibition Human Nature, running until January 31. Additionally, she is preparing for a solo exhibition in Warsaw scheduled for mid-March. Her contributions to the art world have been recognized in various publications, including Teleexpress, Label Magazine, and Radio Trójka, and she has been featured in the Compass of Young Art in 2022 and 2024.
For more information about her work and philosophy, visit Joanna Ambroż’s website.
Photo credits: Portraits of Joanna are from the artist’s archivum. The third portrait of the artist made by Sylwia Zawadzka.
Leave a Reply