Alexandra Swistak

Bio

Alexandra Swistak studied Art History and Education at the University of Victoria. Additional art studies include watercolor and ceramics in Japan and oil painting in France.

Born in India, she emigrated to Canada with her family and settled in British Columbia. She divides her time between Canada, India, France and Japan. Her work is widely collected both nationally and internationally.

Statement

The Flemish Renaissance, Mughal portraiture, Impressionism, Classicism and Cubism are references for my work. Each painting unfolds from a deeply intuitive, personal and imaginative narrative. However, the style itself is not a conscious choice in my practice; it is the result. A painting may begin and remain in the representational form or break off into the abstract. Both sides can direct each other in tandem to bring the painting into perspective. My process is careful and divergent, which permits me to protect the initial idea and inspiration.

Home, community and sense of belonging have been the backdrop to the most turbulent events in my life. As a woman of color and immigrant, I explore the intersection between belonging and otherness, truth and power, love and loss, security and family.