Entropy is a term used to define aspects of thermodynamics, inquiry, and chaos theory. The common understanding of the word refers to the growing internal disorder of organized systems. This disorder and unpredictability not only affect the microcosms of physics or mathematics but also our everyday reality. In entropy we can notice the desire to disrupt the stability of order, to break the rules, and the associated feeling of uncertainty. In this sense entropy becomes the synonym of change, leading to unpredictable results. This is the reason why entropy has a lot in common with art. All art. But especially contemporary art. Entropy, after all, is nothing but the constant departure from schemes, the abandonment of conventions, the search for originality, the destruction of stereotypes, and ageless revolt. Yet, when defined as the vocabulary of thermodynamics or communication theory, entropy also means ‘expansion’. This word relates to the world of art, and not necessarily only contemporary art. Every piece of art displayed in a gallery and every future exhibit ultimately has the same task: The spread of aesthetic values and the expansion of art’s domain on the new aspects of reality. In this way artistic creativity annexes the unknown territory of existence and through its presence fills the world with a new understanding of reality.

      The above translations and interpretations of the word entropy are reflected in the exhibit “Entropy of Art”. This exhibit features the work of many artists from many different parts of the world. Some of the artists come from Poland, some from Australia, South Korea, Europe, and the U.S. Besides their origin (most are of Polish heritage), these artists are unified by a shared vision of a group exposition, as well as by medium. All works in the show were done on paper, for practical and symbolic reasons. Practical, because of easy transportation. Symbolic, because of the idea of what paper represents and how it relates to entropy. It is the way in which paper- newspapers, periodicals, letters, or advertising- functions in our everyday world, and reflects how entropy works in practice and theory in communication.

      Paper as a medium carries with it a rich history and many different connotations. It is a common material, which in a sense defines its esthetic value. It also has a certain characteristic that affects its specific perception. This characteristic is intimacy. The intimacy that occurs between the viewer and the work on paper he/she is looking at. Thus, a drawing or print, can posses a certain immediacy that a work on canvas, for example, cannot. Paper makes the conversation between the viewer and the artwork more accessible, and promotes a deeper dialog, kind of like a private correspondence. Because of the choice of paper as a medium, the art displayed on it becomes a part of our reality and widens the borders of its own presence through entropy.

      The first show will take place in New York and the exposition will then travel throughout the world. The artists who are taking part in this show also represent the word entropy. They are all different individuals, who represent different generations, come from different parts of the world, have different culture, practice different kinds of art, have different styles, and employ different techniques in their work. This catalog shows works made in different techniques- everything from traditional graphic techniques (drawing, printmaking) to more exotic technique (encaustic). The work also varies stylistically, ranging from figurative to non-geometric abstraction.

      The specific profile of the exhibit is no coincidence as several of the co-authors of the show are also members of the “Emotionalist Art Group”- an international, multi-media art group founded by the famous Polish sculptor, painter, designer, and art theorist- Lubomir Tomaszewski. Emotionalism grew out of realism and expressionism and so a lot of the work in this exhibit shares a degree of unity in its form and content.

      The idea for the show came from conversations between artists, who decided that they would like to display their work together in a “show”. The idea then expanded that this will not be a single event, but rather, a growing project in which participating artists will expand the concept of “the show” by successively adding elements (new artists, new work) and thereby changing and varying it as it travels. Thus, fulfilling its purpose, the “Entropy of Art” will stand for the freedom of artistic expression, the spread of aesthetic values and the expansion of art’s domain on the reality.

Written by Bozena Chlabicz
Translation: Arthur Skowron

Organizers Bios 

Artur Popek 

Born in Szczebrzeszyn, Poland. Studied Psychology and Fine Arts at the M. Curie-Sklodowska in Lublin. Graduated in graphic
arts under prof. Danuta Kolwzan-Nowicka in 1984. Is a professor in the Department of Graphics at the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin. Art director of the Society for Arts in Chicago. Designs prints and makes illustrations for books and magazines, including New Daily in New York. Recipient of numerous prestigious awards. Resides in Lublin with his wife Ewa, daughter Ania and son Krzys.

Janusz Skowron 

Born in Poland where he studied Fine Arts at University UMCS in Lublin and received a Master Degree in Lithography in 1983 from Professor Danuta Kolwzan-Nowicka. In 1978 he co-founded the "KONT Gallery". Since 1989 Janusz has been living and working in New York City. He is a member of "Emotionalism Art Group", "The Polish Artists Association", "The Polish Institute of Arts & Sciences of America" (PIASA), and "New Century Artists". He took part in more than a hundred exhibitions, displaying his works in Poland, Hungary, USA, South Korea, China, France, Denmark and Germany. Janusz does painting, drawing and graphic arts. Since 2001 his illustrations have been published by the New York magazine Kurier Plus. 

Agnieszka Miziolek 

Agnieszka was born in Rome and raised in Poland. Agnieszka came to the United States several years ago with a desire to connect worlds of art that has been closed off to many countries.  She is a president of Arte Internazionale, Inc. When she talks about her work her passion is to open door of opportunity to artists that would possibly not have an opportunity given their circumstances… "this has lead to amazing discoveries of both art and artists from around the world.  Maybe we cannot unite the countries, but perhaps we can unite the people through a medium that is as old as time and as young as a new idea." The purpose of Arte Internazionale, Inc is to promote the art and artists, to manage exhibits and expose the public to the art and the art to the public.