1. ART OF JOLANTA IZABELA PAWLAK
Biography
Jolanta Pawlak pursues an art career in the varied fields of sculpture, jewelry and photography and
has created a body of work with global appeal. She was born in Poland where she began her studies
as an artist in her early school years and continued through advanced university studies in Europe
and the United States. Her first works were carved in stone and wood and she explored stage set and
costume design before finding her true love of casting, utilizing the lost wax technique.
Jolanta’s travels and education have prepared her to express her artistic visions in a way that allows
the viewer to experience the subjects she chooses and medium she utilizes in new ways. Whether it
is a piece of bronze sculpture, a large format photo image or a unique one-of-a-kind jewelry piece,
you will always find the unexpected in her work.
Philosophy and Inspiration
“I like to explore the world and love applying my mind to learn new things. I enjoy what I call the
‘discovery process’ that expands my awareness of the universe. This helps me find fresh contemporary
ways to communicate visually through my art.
Most people will tell you I always do the unexpected. My work tells a story in an abstract way without
a definite meaning letting the viewer experience it from their own perspective. I work in the diverse
mediums of sculpture, jewelry and photography but for me they all flow together, one inspiring the
other like the mind drifting from rational to poetic thought.
My life in the Caribbean on the island of Curacao is an endless inspiration. I can get to know many
cultures and explore the wonders beneath the sea, and I find this lets my mind develop new artistic ideas.
In my studio I can interrupt these thoughts and my discoveries sharing my vision in the art I create.
I often travel to Chicago where I maintain a studio for really large projects. The city and
my artistic friends help provide an urban outlook so I stay in touch with what the rest of the world
is up to. I find Chicago to be an amazing city of art with always new venues to enjoy.”
– Jolanta Izabela Pawlak

2. Education
1995 Diploma in Wood Sculpture
Art Liceum in Gdynia, Poland
1996 Stage Set and Costume Design
Poznahensis University of Arts, Poland
1997 Visit to India as a working guest at the
Academy of Visual Art in Varanasi for
advanced study in bronze casting techniques
2001 Completed Sculpture and Metalsmith
Exchange Program at Slippery Rock
University, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
Graduated with Dual Masters Degree
Sculpture and Photography
Academy of Fine Arts, Poznan, Poland
2006 Workshop NOW TREE with Ruud Peters
Ravenstein, The Netherlands
Artist in Residence at Armory Art Center
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
Awards & International
Recognition
2010 Modern Luxury Media juli b Style Award
presented to Jolanta Pawlak for
Best Specialty Accessory 2010 – in
Lifestyle + Luxury, Artisan Jewelry, U.S.A.
2009 Public Sculpture of ‘Papa’ Godett
Punda, Curaçao
2006 Public Sculpture for Brian Larose Memorial
International School, Curaçao, N.A.
2005 Original silver and citrine necklace chosen
to be presented to Queen Beatrix of Holland
to commemorate her 25 year reign,
on behalf of the island of Curaçao
2003 Selected to participate on behalf of the island
of Curaçao in the 5th Caribbean Bienal
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Solo Exhibitions
2010 Chopin Bicentenial Concert video installation and commemorative Chopin Sculpture,
Fortchurch, Curaçao
2010 JP Design Collections sculpture, jewelry and photography retrospective, Maravia Gallery, Curaçao
2009 Commission for a public bronze sculpture, Curaçao
2008 Kross Collection fine sliver and gold crosses and photo images printed on wood,
Fortchurch Museum, Curaçao
2007 A Walk in Other Sandals sculpture, jewelry and photography at Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2006 Arte Vishon Open Antelier Days exhibition Walking in Other Sandals, Curaçao
2006 Public Lecture and presentation of new collection, Armory Art Center, West Palm Beach, U.S.A.
2005 Strawberry Fields Art Gallery, Strawberry Fields A – Dana Gallery, Alpharetha, Georgia, U.S.A.
2005 Natural Wonders at Kas di Alma Blou, Curaçao
2004 Sculpture and Photography exhibition at D’Art Gallery, Curaçao
2002 Carnival of Life bronze sculpture and photography work created in Curaçao,
Center of Modern Art, Poznan, Poland
1998 Reminiscence – India bronze sculpture and photography at the Academy of Arts in Poznan, Poland
Group Exhibitions
2010 Just a woman, organized by Group ArtPo and Polish Women’s Alliance of America, Chicago, U.S.A
2010 Antepasado di Futuro – Curaçao Classics – Visual Arts 1900 - 2010 in Curaçao Museum, Curaçao
2010 Art Auction Haiti, Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2009 Copernicus Center Auction, organized by Group ArtPo, Chicago, U.S.A.
2009 Essence of Nature, organized by Polish Art Society of Chicago, Wisconsin Dells, U.S.A.
2009 Caribbean Crossroads, sculpture & photography, Tula Museum, Landhuis Knepa, Curaçao
2009 Fulton Market Art Walk - Open studio at Chicago Sculpture Works, Chicago, U.S.A.
2009 Annual Columbus, Indiana Iron Pour sculpture exhibition, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.A.
2008 Zaduszki Jazzowe – All Soul’s Jazz Fest Chopin Theatre, Chicago, U.S.A
2008 Opening Event Biba Gallery sculpture exhibition, West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
2008 Annual Columbus, Indiana Iron Pour sculpture exhibition, Columbus, Indiana, U.S.A.
2008 Fulton Market Art Walk - Open studio at Chicago Sculpture Works, Chicago, U.S.A
2008 VIth Biennial of Caribbean Architecture outdoor installation, large format photo images
combining art and architecture projected onto large canvas sails, Curaçao
2007 Snoa 275 Exhibition Commemorating 275 Years of Continuous Operation of Mikvé Israel Emanuel
Synagogue, a cast bronze Commemorative Menorah created for the event at Villa Maria, Curaçao
2007 All that Glitters jewelry exhibiton, Art Chicago, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, U.S.A.
2007 It’s All About Women Gallery Alma Blou, Curaçao
2007 Opening Event: Something is Happening in Pietermaai - video installation featuring large scale
architectural photo images, three-story high video installation on the historical Landhuis, Curaçao
2006 SOFA Chicago jewelry and sculpture works at Maria Elena Kravetz Gallery (Argentina), Chicago, U.S.A.
2006 Celebration - bronze sculpture, Landhuis Bloemhof Galerie, Curaçao
2005 Regalo Real - bronze sculpture, Landhuis Bloemhof Galerie, Curaçao
2005 From the Sea Chelsea Galleria, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
2004 Elements Collection - jewelry exhibited at the Elements on Oak Street, Chicago, U.S.A.
2004 Photography at Galerie Delfi Form, Zwolle, Netherlands
2003 5th Caribbean Bienal Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
2003 Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Florida, U.S.A.
2003 Nudity Gallery Otrobanda Vieja, Riffort Village, Curaçao
2003 Resusita Gallery Otrobanda Vieja, Riffort Village, Curaçao
2002 Small sculpture forms in silver, summer exhibition, Gallerie Slavik, Vienna, Austria
2002 Sculpture and jewelry exhibition, Curaçao Arts Festival at Landhuis Jan Kock, Curaçao
2002 Artist in Residence, Kura Hulanda Museum, Curaçao
2002 Photography and sculpture exhibition, Gallery Ortrobanda Vieja at Riffort Village, Curaçao
2001 Participant of the International Exhibition sponsored by the Associated Artists of Butler County,
Pennsylvania, U.S.A. (bronze sculptures)
2000 Sculpture exhibition at the Academy of Art in Poznan, Poland
1999 Participant at the opening of the new Exhibition Hall in Poznan, Szamorzewo, Poland
(Work included bronze sculptures and photography)
1999 Sculpture exhibition in Berlin, Germany sponsored by the German Banking Industry, Germany
Art Residency
2006 Artist in Residence – sculpture and jewelry instructor – Armory Art Center,
West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S.A.
2002 Artist in Residence – sculpture instructor – Kura Hulanda Museum, Curaçao
Publications
2010 Antiliaans Dagblad – Pawlak genomineerd
voor Juli B style Awards, Curaçao
Curaçao Events, Curaçao in Real Time
2009 Antiliaans Dagblad – Pawlak maakt beeld
Papa Godett - Curaçao, N.A.
Polish News – Jolanta Pawlak: Artist,
Sculpturor and Photographer – Chicago, U.S.A.
La Prensa – Busto di “Papa” Godett ta
un echo, Curaçao
Curaçao Events – Jolanta Pawlak: Artist Profile
2008 Inspired by the Snoa MMVIII Synagogue
Mikvé Israel Emanuel, Curaçao
UPG Nieuws/ Maano Blad Veremigoe
Protestante Geomeente van Curaçao –
Expositie Jolanta Pawlak
Amigoe Kross Collection, Curaçao
Amigoe Kruiscollectie in Fortkerk, Curaçao
2007 Curaçao Events Experience Curaçao Art
Amigoe Japan Inspiratiebron voor
expositie, Curaçao
2006 Amigoe Kijkje in artelier van kunstenaar,
Curaçao
SOFA Chicago 2006 Catalog Sculpture
Objects & Functional Art, Chicago, U.S.A.
Island News, Curaçao: An Artist’s Haven
2005 Amigoe Kunstwerkjes van zilver, Curaçao
Professional Memberships
• ISC – International Sculpture Center, Professional
member – U.S.A.
• Chicago Sculpture Works – www.chicagosculptureworks.
com/Jolantas_Work/Jolanta_Works.htm – Chicago, U.S.A.
• Polish Art Society – Chicago, U.S.A
• Polish Woman’s Alliance of America – U.S.A.
• SNAG–SocietyofNorthAmericanGoldsmiths–U.S.A.

3. Sculpture
Faces of Curaçao
Jolanta Pawlak’s contemporary sculptures
capture the power and diversity of the
human spirit and nature itself. Though
grounded in reality, her work takes on
a unique character that is both organic
and narrative as the viewer’s perspective
changes. She is most often casting in
bronze, iron or aluminum and her
exploratory techniques with the use
of texture and patina make the work
tactile and mysterious.
She transforms the spirit of each of her
sculpture subjects into remarkable works
of art. Through her work she forces us to
contemplate our connection to nature
and all of humanity.

4. Sculpture
Relationships
The human form provides an unlimited
fascination for Jolanta and her sculpture
work. The relationship we have with
others and the relationship we have
with the world and our own body
are explored in this series of works
beginning with the jewel adorned
torsos of Adam and Eve to the
compelling Muse from the Sea
symbolizing how we are all
connected to the earth’s
oceans. These cast bronze
sculptures use colorful
patinas and some are even
adorned with their own
removable and wearable
jewelry creations.

5. Sculpture
Ring Series
Rings and the symbolism they
convey have found their way into
art from ancient times. This large
ring sculpture series has its
inspiration from nature.
Jolanta Pawlak takes
this round organic shape
and seduces us with her use
of texture and sensual forms
to draw us in and through
the work. This collection
speaks to those who
encounter it no matter
what the scale. She creates
small sculptural rings in silver
for your hand, casts rings in
bronze and can expand the scale
for large installations to accent
an architectural project or become
part of a sculpture garden.

6. Sculpture
Large Scale Public Sculpture Project Concepts
Jolanta Pawlak sculpture and jewelry series imagined in large scale in various public spaces; from temples and office spaces to city gardens
and parks.

7. Jewelry
Gemstones
Jolanta Pawlak designs jewelry that
lets you reveal your style. You will
always find the unexpected in her jewelry
collections. Her standout designs become
sculpture for the body. The richly exotic
textures of her jewelry are enhanced
using a variety of patinas and she often
accents the beauty of fine silver forms with
natural gemstones. Jolanta’s gemstones
of choice are: Garnet, Peridot, Smokey
Quartz, Topaz, Amethyst or Citrine.

8. Jewelry
Pearls
The distinctive jewelry designs of
Jolanta Pawlak are redefining jewelry
elegance with their beautiful shapes
and forms inspired by nature.
Her stunning limited edition Pearl
collection uses these lustrous gems
from the sea in unexpected ways.

9. Jewelry
From the Sea
Jolanta Pawlak’s jewelry is for those
who appreciate and connect to the
artistic expression each piece represents.
She creates contemporary handmade
jewelry that lets you express your
unique style. This beautifully crafted
collection reflects the fascination
the sea holds for her.

10. Jewelry
Tropical Garden
This collection is carefully handcrafted
utilizing ancient metalsmithing
techniques. Chains and neck wires
are handmade and the small wearable
sculptures are cast in fine silver
utilizing the lost wax method.

11. Jewelry
Rings
The ring designs of Jolanta Pawlak
are steeped in mystery; you simply
have not seen anything like them.
The unusual shapes and textures seem
ancient yet contemporary. The forms
are molded to fit your fingers and hand
as if created just for you. Her bold
designs and nontraditional use
of gemstones and pearls combine
to create stunning pieces that attract
admiring comments whenever
they are worn.

12. Jewelry
Kross
Inspired by the mezza soprano
voice of opera star Tania Kross this
collection of crosses was created and
named to honor the singer. This intriguing
body of work embraces the most recognized
symbol in the world and designer Jolanta
Pawlak interprets it to become a personal
way to portray love, sacrifice and the
hope of redemption for us all.

13. Jewelry as Sculpture
Krosses
Jolanta imagines her jewelry as large
sculptures in various settings, she says:
The Krosses. Even while I work on the
small pieces which I can hide in a palm
of my hand I cannot stop thinking about the
same piece in large scale and how it
would translate into a space.
Sculpture is my first love, and it feels like
creating jewelry is like creating concepts and
proposals for public sculpture.

14. Jewelry
Japan
The culture and traditions of Japan and
a fascination with the designs of Samurai
warrior armor have been the inspiration for
this evolving Japan collection. The shapes
and forms of the metal plates sewn onto
leather to provide protection for the Samurai
led to the creation of what artist Jolanta
Pawlak calls “Urban Armor” for the 21st
century. Many pieces in this collection
are one of a kind.

15. Jewelry
Relationships
The small figurative sculptural forms
that make up the Relationships collection
of rings and necklaces mirror the large cast
bronze sculpture work Jolanta Pawlak also
creates. Each fine silver medallion tells a
story of how we react to one another
and lets the wearer make an artistic
statement becoming part of the art.

16. Large Ring Paintings
These large-scale ring paintings
(mixed media) were taken around
the city of Chicago to demonstrate
how art and architecture live
in harmony.
I am a sculptor with a dream.
I have created a series of rings in
bronze and silver. They range from
bold rings for the hand to larger ones
in bronze that are displayed on
a table top or pedestal. My vision
for these works is grander. I want
to create public works that are big
enough to walk through. I created a few
paintings of my rings which I wish to cast
in a much larger scale.
I took these canvases with me to different
locations around the city of Chicago
to see how they interact with
the space and the people.

17. MyUnderwaterSecretPhotography
Thesephotocollagesshowimagesfrommydreamswhicharedeeplyconnectedtomemoriesfrommychildhood.

18. MillionsofTexturesPhotography
Theendlesstexturesfoundinnaturearemyconstantinspirationforsculptureandjewelry.Myphotographsaremy
sketchbook.Theserichtexturesarehangingonthewallsofmystudio;theysurroundme,closingmeinanotherworld...
Theycaptureamomentandafeelingthatfindsitswayintomywork.

19. Shadow of the Past Photography
Many of these original houses in Curacao have held generations of islanders and are rich in history. By adding these portraits, like shadows
on the walls, I hope to preserve the spirit of these places.

20. Kunuku Dreams Photography
The ruins of these kunuku houses dot the Curaçao landscape and they are forever connected with the slave history of the island.
This is my way of telling the stories of the countless children who grew up there, only to dream of a better life.

21. Carnival Shoes
Photography
Carnival is a frenzied, exciting celebration
that becomes like a fever on the island of
Curaçao. The people are transformed
for a moment in time by the dance,
by the music, by the energy.
These images are part of a series of photos
taken during the Carnival each year.
Artist Jolanta Izabela Pawlak has captured
the traditions of this magical time that
combines customs from Spain, Africa
and the entire Caribbean region.
Her large Curaçao Carnival photography
collection includes photos taken every
year for the last 10 years.
The culmination of all Carnival events
is the Grand Parade that marks the
beginning of the Christian season
of Lent. This parade features street
dances, floats, costumes and elaborate
masquerade all set to the island’s
unique Tumba rhythm.
These intoxicating images capture
the spirit of Curaçao Carnival.

24. Carnival of Life at the Center
of Modern Art, Poznan, Poland (2002)
Carnival of Life is a series of sculptures and large scale photographs
inspired by the people of Curaçao. These works originated on the island
of Curaçao and were completed in Poland for Jolanta’s Diploma with
Dual Masters Degree in Sculpture and Photography.
The exhibit took place in the rough interiors of the Center of Modern
Art in Poznan, Poland. Jolanta took a whole floor and transformed it
into the spiritual area where her work could be enjoyed with the sounds
of live drumming and sea blue drinks with liquor made in Curaçao.
Museum Kura
Hulanda (2002)
Museum Kura Hulanda is
an Anthropological
Museum that focuses on
the predominant cultures
of Curacao. It offers a
world-class chronicle of the
Origin of Man, the African
slave trade, West African
Empires, Pre-Columbian
gold, Mesopotamian relics
and Antillean art.
While at the museum,
Jolanta conducted a series
of sculpture workshops for
those interested in
developing their
creative skills.
This show featured
sculpture work by Jolanta
Pawlak representing people
of Curacao as well as work
of her students created
during the workshop.

25. Resusita at the Gallery
Otrabanda Vieja, Riffort
Village, Curaçao (2003)
My goal for this exhibition was to create
thought-provoking sculptures on the subject
of slavery. Being a slave to any master cuts
you from your roots, your ancestors and the
ones you love. The very place you come from
is no longer a part of who you are. Your new
master makes you live in isolation, with only
your thoughts to sustain you. True freedom
only exists in your thoughts.
Carnival of Life at the Gallery
Otrabanda Vieja, Riffort Village,
Curaçao (2002)
Carnival of Life is a series of sculptures and large scale
photographs inspired by the people of Curaçao.
In these series Jolanta wanted to display the nature of
masculinity and male beauty. She shows that no matter
what skin color we are... we are simply a beautiful human
being. She explores beauty in its essence.
The most significant aspect of the body is the form.
Today we are more accustomed to the fugitive paintings.
Photographs serve as the art of the Act. We need to
recover the classical values; the nudity where beauty
and eroticism is noble; nudity as a hidden truth about
a human being.
Slavery is also about repression. True eman-
cipation is only possible by ending repression
and developing a culture of tolerance.
The concepts I strive to communicate
through my work for this exhibition are how
slavery and repression can lead to freedom
and emancipation.

26. 5th Caribe Bienal
in Santo Domingo,
Dominican Republic
(2003)
The 5th Caribe Bienal was a celebration
that brought the countries of the Caribbean
together as it had done since 1992. The
Modern Art Museum approached this bien-
nial with a new perspective: How and why we
are perceived and how we recognize and
perceive ourselves. These ideas are fundamental
for the promotion of the contemporary
Greater Caribbean in and outside the region.
Typically, the mass-media uses stereotypes
regarding creation in this part of the world and
has an expectation of its artistic production
with an emphasis on the exotic and regional
folklore. This 5th Bienal was a platform
for grasping the contemporary Caribbean.
Twenty-eight countries were represented and,
after a juried selection, three artists from
Curaçao were invited to participate in this
prestigious artistic event. Jolanta Pawlak was
honored, along with Herman van Bergen and
Ariadne Faries, to represent Curaçao in the
fields of sculpture, drawing, photography and
acrylic painting.
Their work was displayed in the main
entrance of the four-story museum, in the
heart of the Plaza de Cultura. This was the
premier location of the entire exhibition.
All of the opening ceremonies, photo
opportunities and TV interviews were
conducted amid the Curacao art display.
The opening evening received more than 1500
guests, artists and international art critics.
Special programs for the artists allowed
a creative cultural exchange that provided
renewed inspiration for all attending.

27. Natural Wonders at Kas di Alma Blou, Curaçao
(2005)
This exhibition featured fine silver jewelry and bronze sculptures inspired by the rough and
delicate nature of Curaçao; all were cast in silver/bronze working with the lost wax method.
The event took place at a very special location, Kas di Alma Blou, situated in one of the most
beautiful monuments of Otrobanda in Curaçao. The name Kas di Alma Blou (in Papiamento)
in English translates into Home of the Blue Soul.
Solo Sculpture and Photography Exhibition
at D’Art Gallery, Curaçao (2004)
Carnival of Life is a series of sculptures and large scale photographs inspired by the
people of Curaçao. The exhibition took place at the renowned D’Art Gallery in
the historic Scharloo district. The building is situated behind the prominent Villa
Maria Gallery where one can enjoy a selection of contemporary works from local
and international artists, including Appel, Corneille, Briels, Vaserelli, Cruz Diez,
Cerneus, Klimt, Urbina and other European and South American artists.

28. A Walk In Other Sandals
at Arte Vishon Open Atelier Days
Exhibition, Curaçao (2006)
This event was a preview of Jolanta Pawlak’s Japan Collection
of art and jewelry inspired by her journey to Japan. It was held in the
atelier gardens which were transformed into a Japanese oasis.
Open Atelier Days, Curaçao (2005)
Jolanta Izabela Pawlak’s atelier gardens by the sea in Willemstad
were open during Orano na Plata. This event was organized by the
Foundation Dutch Antilles Orange Committee to celebrate 25 years
of Queen Beatrix’s reign in 2005. The gardens displayed Jolanta’s
sculpture and large scale photo images. She also created a special
jewelry design inspired by the sea to commemorate this event.
It is now known as the Queen’s Piece (shown on two images to
the right).

29. Brian Larose Memorial,
Curaçao (2010)
Jolanta Pawlak created this public sculpture
monument, which was a wonderful opportunity
to memorialize Brian Larose. He was
a professor at the International School of
Curaçao whose life and work was dedicated
to children. This sculpture, cast in bronze, is
mounted on limestone excavated from the local
Table Mountain. It became an addition to the
public art collection of Curaçao.
Maravia Gallery,
Curaçao (2006-2010)
Jolanta Pawlak and her former representative
opened a gallery in Willemstad, Curaçao in
2006. The gallery was called Maravia Gallery,
Maravia, in the local language Papiamento,
means Natural Wonder and it is also a name
of one of the sculptures created by Jolanta.
Maravia Gallery is located in the heart of
the historic and picturesque downtown
Willemstad in Curaçao.
Jolanta has developed a signature style capturing
the spirit of the island and her exotic travels
around the world. This gallery celebrated the
artistic vision solely of Jolanta Pawlak.
Whether you choose a piece of contemporary
art jewelry, original sculpture or a limited
edition photo image you will have a timeless
work of art uniquely recognizable as a Jolanta
Izabela Pawlak design. You will find an ever
changing collection created by her jewelry in
fine silver often accented with gemstones and
pearls produced in limited editions and also
one-of-a-kind pieces.

30. SOFA Sculpture Objects and Functional
Art Exhibition, Chicago (2006)
Contemporary artist Jolanta Izabela Pawlak exhibited sculpture works
and introduced a new art jewelry collection at the Annual SOFA
Chicago Exposition.
SOFA Sculpture Objects and Functional Art Exhibition is a gallery-
presented, international art exposition dedicated to bridging the
worlds of design, decorative and fine art. Works by emerging and
established artists and designers are available for sale by premier
galleries and dealers. Jolanta was represented by Maria Elena Kravetz
Gallery from Argentina.
This outstanding exhibition featured artist including:
Dale Chihuly, Dan Dailey, William Hunter, Keiji Ito, Ginny Ruffner,
Lino Tagliapietra and Shinya Yamamura among the galaxy of
acclaimed artists featured by some of world’s most respected
and prestigious art galleries at this art fair.
Jolanta Izabela Pawlak maintained studios on the Caribbean
island of Curaçao and in the Fulton Market area of Chicago allowing
her to stay involved in a broad range of creative projects worldwide.
Her cast bronze sculptures reflect themes from the sea as well
as do her sophisticated jewelry creations. SOFA featured her Ring
and Relationship Series Sculpture Works as well as From the Sea
and Rings Jewelry Collection.

31. A Walk In Other Sandals
at Gallery Alma Blou in Landhuis
Habaai, Curaçao (2007)
Jolanta Pawlak offered a delightful passage into a Japan normally
forbidden to most tourists in her Gallery Alma Blou exhibit:
A Walk In Other Sandals. She employed Samurai Warriors,
Japanese comic characters, giant photographs cast on aluminum
sheets, and Japanese people projected onto the walls of an 18th
century Curaçao plantation house, to give us a unique, humorous
and sensitive look at Japan.
Curaçao and Japan are connected by the sea but I was struck by
how much more both islands have in common and can learn from
each other.

32. Something is Happening in Pietermaai,
Landhuis, Curaçao (2007)
Opening event for Something is Happening in Pietermaai exhibition
and video installation, featuring large scale architectural photo images
and a three-story video installation on the Landhuis. The event was
held during the VIth Biennial of Caribbean Architecture on Curaçao
in 2007. Jolanta created a special installation projection using historic
Dutch Caribbean architecture as a background for projected images
to tell a story of how art and architecture are in harmony. Jolanta was
inspired to show how the Caribbean identity is strengthened through
architecture and the results are a stunning limited edition photo series.

33. Caribbean Crossroads, VI Biennial of Caribbean Architecture, Curaçao (2007)
The exhibition Caribbean Crossroads at the VI Biennial of Caribbean Architecture at the Tula Museum, Landhuis Knepa, Curaçao
was organized largely by Suzy Del Valle of El Museo del Barrio with the collaboration of three specialists in the Dutch Caribbean:
art historian and curator Jennifer Smit, collector and historian Nicole Henriquez and curator and Co-Director of Instituto Buena
Bista, Nancy Hoffman. The exhibition included an outdoor installation, and large photo images combining art with architecture.
Hitomi Iwasaki, Director of Exhibitions and Curator at the Queens Museum of Art, commented after viewing Jolanta’s photo
images and two sculptures, and hearing the story of her inspiration: I have not seen such an intimate connection between sculpture
and photography before.
Naomi Beckwith, Assistant Curator, from The Studio Museum in Harlem said: I am surprised to find such sophisticated art.

34. Kross Collection, Fortchurch Museum,
Curaçao (2008)
The Kross Collection of cast fine silver and gold crosses and photo images
printed on wood at the Fortchurch Museum, Curaçao.
This event explored the theme and imagery of the cross, one of the most widely
recognized symbols in the world. This collection is the result of the music and
inspiration the opera singer Tania Kross has shared with artist Jolanta Izabela
Pawlak. As the two women developed a friendship, Jolanta began creating
jewelry designs for Tania’s performances and major appearances.
A percentage from the sale of all Krosses sold during this event benefited the
Fortchurch Museum, which preserves the Christian heritage of Curaçao.
Tania’s personal designer, Wendell Elizabeth, designed her gown as well as the
outfits for models wearing Jolanta’s Krosses. Those simple white gowns created
the perfect backdrop for the jewelry.
Snoa 275, Mikvé Israel Emanuel
Synagogue, Curaçao (2007)
The Snoa 275 exhibition commemorated 275 years of continuous
operation of the Mikve Israel Emanuel Synagogue. A cast bronze
commemorative menorah was created in honor of the synagogue’s
275 years of continuous service on the island of Curacao. The goal
was to create a symbolic work that looks like it has been under the
sea for all those years collecting history on its surface, and perhaps
beginning to resemble the ancient temple menorahs from
centuries past.
The seven traditional sources of light are held in place with sand from
the Synagogue floor as a reminder of all the quiet steps it takes to
realize your highest potential.

35. Fulton Market Art Walk,
Chicago (2008 & 2009)
Fulton Market Art Walk Open Studio at Chicago
Sculpture Works. The Fulton Market District is
located in Chicago’s West Loop.
Explore Fulton Market is a yearly event, organized
by area businesses, welcoming the public to taste
the strange brew that makes up Fulton Market.
Jolanta Pawlak was invited along with other artists
to open her Chicago studio for this great event.
She showed sculpture, jewelry, photography and
paintings two years in a row.
Gallery Biba, Palm Beach,
Florida (2008)
Throughout the Gallery Biba can be seen
exquisite paintings, sculptures and works on
paper by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jim
Dine, Andy Warhol, Robert St. Croix, Robert
Rauschenberg, Francesco Capello, Elizabeth
Murray, Dan Flavin, Jean Dubuffet, Victor
Rodriguez and other artists from around
the world.
Jolanta Pawlak had the distinct pleasure to
exhibit her sculptures alongside this esteemed
list of artists’ works.

36. Annual Columbus, Indiana, Iron Pour
Sculpture Exhibition (2008 & 2009)
Just as the weather was cooling down, Columbus heated up at the Annual
Open Iron Pour that celebrates artwork created by people in the community.
The iron pour process dates back to the Iron Age in which metal is melted,
poured, into molds and cooled to form cast iron objects. A roaring,
flame-shooting furnace turned 1,000 pounds of recycled iron into artwork.
Jolanta Pawlak was among the artists who created masterpieces before the
eyes of people who gathered.
The Columbus Museum of Art & Design co-sponsored this free cast iron
event and exhibition by 13 sculptors with the Indiana Area Arts Council.

37. Papa Godett, Curaçao (2009)
Jolanta Pawlak sculpted the bust of the island’s most famous man: Papa Godett. A revolutionary
who fought for the underprivileged people of his island. This bronze sculpture now stands in the
middle of Curaçao’s capital.
For this project she had to work with pictures and memories of someone who passed away.
“It is always easier to work with a live model. Working with just photo images of a person who
is not physically there, can be a challenge. The Godett family was so great about sharing their
memories of Papa Godett with me, which enabled me to approach the project from a more
personal perspective. It is a way to honor their memory of him.” Jolanta Izabela Pawlak

38. Chopin Bicentennial Concert,
Fortchurch, Curaçao (2010)
Fortchurch, an eighteenth-century church on the Caribbean island
of Curaçao, opened the door to commemorate the birthday of the great
composer Frederic Chopin, as a part of the worldwide celebrations.
Jolanta Pawlak prepared projections for the walls of the Fortchurch
that welcomed everybody before the concert of Frederic Chopin’s
compositions. Her sculpture, the portrait of Chopin, still in clay, stood
in the background behind Maestro Harold Martina (on the left) who
performed that night and moved the audience to tears.
The music of the composer has grown deep into the roots of this island,
and that was the inspiration for Jolanta’s sculpture. It tells the story of
this connection with symbolic hair that is the shape of the dividivi tree
whose roots grow deep into this island.
Many prominent people attended this celebration: Millicent Smeets-
Muskus - the organizer and Chopin’s great enthusiast, Jean-Jacques Rojer
- the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, and Emily De Jongh
Elhage (opposite spread), Polish Ambassador in Venezuela Mr. Krzysztof
Jacek Hinz (opposite spread, 2nd image from the top), acting Governor
Mrs. Dr. Adele van der Pluym-Vrede (opposite spread, 3rd image from
the top) and again Maestro Harold Martina who performed that night
(opposite page, 4th picture from the top).

39. Jolanta Izabela Pawlak
E-mail jolantajip@gmail.com
Web www.jolantapawlak.blogspot.com