With oil on canvas, Bekir Smolski paints environments that blur the line between fantasy and reality. Light falls gently on luminous and quiet landscapes. Still trees, sand, and ice freeze in time under the tight strokes of Smolski’s brush. The impact of weather is apparent in each scene through streaks and textured detail. Smolski’s work at times takes a surreal turn: in some pieces, stone and wooden points curve impossibly across canvases, glowing at their tips. Faceted earth and flora slope through each canvas, working in color palettes that create atmospheric scenes. Subjects are emphasized in contrast to the subtle natural color and luminous glow that dominates each piece. In some work, figures are integrated into rain or mist. In others, trees stand dark and animated against subtly dramatic scenes.

 

Living and working in Vienna, Smolski incorporates his fascination with the ever-changing quality of light into fantastic and even romantic landscapes. Each smooth transition in the paint draws the viewer further into the experience, inviting exploration. He has recently participated in the 10th Florence Biennale in 2015.