Karolina Sowa’s approach represents a fascinating fusion of the rigor of street art and the elegance of studio painting. The combination of stencils and color is not just a technical choice, but a true dialogue between order and chaos.
Let’s get to know her better by letting her tell us about herself and answering our questions.
Your first contact with art?
My first contact with art was very simple. As a child, I was drawing a lot – I used to live in a small village and I spent a lot of time in nature so drawing was a way to process the world I was experiencing. In primary school I was encouraged by my art teacher to explore art theory and practice more intensely and as a teenager I took more professional art course at the culture centre in the local city. It was very opening but at that time I didn’t think of art as something “important”; it was just a space where I felt free to explore.
When did you realize that art would go from a passion to a profession?
After years of working as a flight attendant and exploring the world, I returned to painting — something that had quietly stayed with me all along. When I received an enthusiastic feedback from my fiancé, friends and others who became genuinely curious about my work, I realized it could grow into something far beyond just a weekend hobby.
Your first work?
My very first job? I was still underage and selling ladies’ underwear at a local bazaar. 😆 I had absolutely no idea what I was doing at the time, but it turned out to be an incredible learning experience. And my first artwork – probably a horse, dog or cat, I was spending a lot of time with animals.
Do you have to study art to create it?
Absolutely not. Art comes from within – it is about intuition and need to express something. However, studying art helps you become more conscious of your choices, and gives you tools to articulate your vision. And that allows you to place your work in a broader dialogue with history and art.
How do you choose what to portray?
I’m drawn to objects that carry emotion beyond their function. I choose iconic cars and watches whose design has stood the test of time—pieces that, for some reason, captured people’s hearts and became symbols of an era. It’s not just about aesthetics, but about what they represent: innovation, desire, memory, and identity. I portray models that feel alive, that tell a story even when they’re still.
An anecdote you recall with a smile?
I was participating in Mille Miglia Dubai 2025 as an artist. Just before everything started, I suddenly realized I would be standing in the sun – even though the event was in December, it was Dubai after all and sun here has quite some power! At the very last moment, I ran through nearby shops looking for an umbrella and ended up buying a very fancy one with fringes – hardly the practical choice, but somehow perfect. I use it today in the garden, and every time I see it, it reminds me of that day and makes me smile.
If you could meet an artist from the past, who and what would you ask for?
If I could meet an artist from the past, I would choose Vincent van Gogh. I would ask him where he found the strength to stay so passionate about his art despite his struggles, and what kept him going even when he wasn’t recognized.
If you met yourself at 18, what advice would you give yourself?
If I met myself at 18, I’d tell myself to stress less and stop overplanning everything. I’d say: just take action, try new things, and do your best without overthinking it.
How important is communication?
Communication is one of the most important skills in life. It shapes how we connect with others, solve problems, and express our thoughts and feelings. Good communication can prevent conflict, build trust, and create stronger relationships in every area — personal and professional.
What is the difference in the perception of art between Italy and abroad?
I am originally from Poland, but used to live in Spain and currently Dubai is my home. These experiences have shown me how differently art can be understood depending on culture.
In Italy, art feels inseparable from daily life — it’s part of the streets, architecture, and national pride. In Poland, art often carries historical weight and emotional depth, closely tied to identity. In Spain, it feels passionate and expressive, connected to lifestyle and tradition. In Dubai, art is more international and contemporary, shaped by innovation and global influences.
What is art for you?
For me, art is the space where the inner world meets the outer one – it is a translation of feeling into form. It’s a dialogue between creator and observer, capable of stirring emotions, shifting perspectives, or simply making us pause. At its heart, art is our instinct to express, to connect, and to search for meaning beyond the practical.
What do you expect from a curator?
As an artist, I expect an art curator to truly see the work – not just aesthetically, but conceptually and emotionally. I value someone who understands the intention behind my practice and can articulate it clearly to an audience without distorting its meaning.
I expect thoughtful dialogue – I need a curator who trusts me but also challenges me in constructive ways, asks meaningful questions, and helps refine how the work is contextualized.
What do you ask of a gallery owner?
As an artist, I ask a gallery owner for partnership which is built on trust, transparency, and mutual commitment. I value support, clear communication and transparency and I look for someone who genuinely believes in my art, so that I can focus on creating. 😉
I also expect professionalism and fairness: honoring agreements, representing the work with integrity, and maintaining respectful relationships with collectors.
How important are light and color to you?
Light and color are essential to my work – they are not secondary elements, they are the language itself.
In my practice, color carries emotion, movement and energy. It sets the rhythm of the piece and shapes the viewer’s first instinctive reaction. Bold contrasts, layered tones, and unexpected harmonies allow me to translate feeling into something immediate and visceral.
Light, on the other hand, gives the work breath. It creates depth and activates the surface. Light transforms color – and together they generate the sense of dynamism that defines my abstract expression.
