Zuzanna Spaltabaka & Igor Jansen

Multimedia sculptor

©Zuzanna Spaltabaka & Igor Jansen

The many materials of functional art

Zuzanna and Igor are mixed media artists from Warsaw
They work with different materials including wood, metal, ceramics, glass and textile
They create both art objects and functional pieces

Zuzanna Spaltabaka and Igor Jansen prefer to not limit their creativity to one realm of craft. Their objects incorporate techniques and approaches typically associated with one craft into another, and combine different materials to achieve novel outcomes. The duo started creating together in 2022 after Igor helped Zuzanna with her master's thesis at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, which was focused on reinventing traditional craft approaches. Their works embody both practical considerations and artistic expression and explore the boundaries between utility and aesthetics. Igor and Zuzanna's making process usually includes new-generation techniques such as CNC machining, laser cutting, and 3D printing. In parallel to this, they have a deep appreciation for simple, traditional materials and hands-on craftsmanship.

Interview

©Adela Woźnica

©Zuzanna Spaltabaka & Igor Jansen

In what way is your craft linked to the territory?: Zuzanna Spaltabaka: I feel most comfortable working with materials I’m familiar with, having grown up surrounded by them. This allows me to understand their properties and qualities on a deeper level. I’m particularly drawn to those that are often underestimated or neglected, and sometimes even considered waste.
What are your specialisations/skills?: Igor Jansen: I believe I can intuitively predict how an object I design will behave when made and used or displayed. I’m starting to develop a connection with materials that helps me feel what I should do with them and what they resist. While I enjoy working with various materials, I avoid clay and plaster due to an allergy.
What are your sources of inspiration?: Zuzanna Spaltabaka: I thrive on learning new things, as that’s when I gain the most ideas and inspiration. I like to think that each time I work on something new, I 'plant' an idea in my mind and allow it to grow, nourished by images from my life, conversations, thoughts and even dreams.
One thing about your work that people don’t normally know?: Igor Jansen: I would say it’s the extent of experimentation involved in the creative process. We often start with rough ideas and prototypes, trying out various materials and techniques that may seem unconventional or even impractical. This helps to discover unexpected solutions and refine our designs.

Zuzanna Spaltabaka & Igor Jansen are rising stars: they began their career in 2017