Mariooo

Title: Mariooo

Dimensions: 24/13/13 (cm)

Glazed ceramics

Handmade and decorated work by Iwo Rynkiewicz. Each of the kids is decorated in a unique way. The figures are fired in an electric furnace at a temperature of 1000 degrees Celsius. Signed on the bottom. With the help of this series, Iwo Rynkiewicz very often comments on the reality and current events in the world.

Iwo Rynkiewicz (born in 1970 in Warsaw, Poland) is a Polish sculptor and ceramic artist. He grew up in Lidzbark Warmiński and inherited his passion for art from his family—his grandfather was the Swedish painter Kurt Sandström.

In 1987, he co-founded the Kobron artistic group, associated with Poland’s independent art scene and early street art movement. He initially worked in graffiti and painting before dedicating himself entirely to ceramic sculpture in 1994, developing a distinctive artistic language that has become instantly recognizable.

His two best-known series are:

* KIDS – sculptures of children wearing animal masks, rich in symbolism and exploring themes of emotion, instinct, and childhood imagination.

* PSYCHE – darker, more expressive works that delve into the complexity of the human mind and inner emotions.

Rynkiewicz’s work combines contemporary ceramics with influences from pop art, street art, and symbolism. His sculptures frequently feature recurring motifs such as animals, masks, crowns, hearts, and elements of popular culture, inviting viewers to create their own interpretations. His artistic inspiration also draws on biblical themes and characters that evoke the atmosphere of the interwar period.

Today, Iwo Rynkiewicz’s sculptures are regularly featured at art auctions, where his highly recognizable KIDS series continues to attract collectors and contemporary art enthusiasts.