Lidia Syroka was born in Poland in 1956 and moved to Paris in her mid-twenties, where she lived for more than four decades before returning home to continue her practice. Syroka’s visionary output is the result of an extensive exploration of the concept of metamorphosis. Referencing the some of her mystical influences, she defines it as the “alchemy” that takes place when spiritual activity causes physical transformation. The artist’s own body thus becomes a symbolic conduit for growth and decay, construction, and deconstruction.
In each series leading up to Series 7 (presented by Ricco/Maresca at Independent 2021), Syroka conceived a different technique to match a particular stage in her profoundly personal investigations of corporeality. Series 7, notable for its austerity and nuance, is the most intimately scaled in this singular progression. Here, texture interacts with form in subtle and intricate rhythms and Syroka’s consistent exploration of anthropomorphic themes merges with abstract renderings. The choice and juxtaposition of paper and textures are expressive and charged with meaning. Balance is achieved through visual dichotomy: transparency and opacity; the busy entanglement of paper strips and the clean space surrounding it. The semi-translucent background is a kind of ether that imbues the central form with solemnity and suspense.
