In the 2023 Special Edition of The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine, we interviewed five artists from Poland. The country is synonymous with Arabian horses, not just through the breeders in the country, but through the many talented artists that live there. In The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine, we celebrate some of these artists, who help capture the heart of Poland through their brush. In part three, we look at the work of Sylwia Iłenda.
My name is Sylwia Iłenda, and I come from Poland. The main technique I use is dry pastels, although I also often use acrylic paints. I paint on various surfaces: cardboard, wood, natural stones, ceramics, metal.
My adventure with painting began a long time ago when I was still in primary school. As a child, I took part in many art competitions, and I placed an Arabian horse in every possible work. Back then, I was inspired by Zofia Raczkowska’s postcards and Juliusz Kossak’s paintings. I graduated from art school, thanks to which I learned anatomy, perspective, and how to use various painting media.
Emandoria
I grew up near Białka Stud, and during my school years, I often spent weekends on pastures among Arabian mares. I don’t have a specific date when Arabians became my timeless love. For as long as I can remember, a horse with its tail raised high and in movement has always been the most beautiful to me.
Marwan al Shaqab
I developed my own style, painting horses for a long time for myself, but around 2003, I showed my works at an open-air painting event, then later on the internet, which met with great approval from the audience.
Perfinka
I really like painting portraits of stallions, and I often put two horses on one pastel. I also love painting grey fleabitten horses, which really are a tremendous challenge! Sometimes I spend several days on such a portrait. I try to make the Arabian horse I portray recognisable.
I also like to experiment. A few years ago, I made the first pendant with the image of an Arabian horse on a slice of agate. It was a hit!
Ajman Moniscione
I combine painting with photography. For me, these two fields complement each other perfectly. Very often I take photographs and transfer them to art in the future. Photographing Arabian horses gives me a lot of adrenaline.
Alexxanderr
There is no other breed like the Arabian horse in the world. They captivate me with their charisma, beautiful eyes, and movement. Every part of their body is perfect. In my opinion, the Arabian is the most graceful breed to paint.
As for my highlights, each custom work I make is a huge event, with the customer’s joy being the greatest reward. During my career, I have had several group and individual exhibitions. I made pastels for prizes for horse owners in the Aljassimya Amateur Challenge, and my pastels are in private collections all over the world: Australia, Canada, USA, Europe, the Middle East. I dream of an exhibition during the Katara International Arabian Horse Festival show in Qatar.
Picasso Di Mar
I encourage the younger generation to try their hand at artistic techniques. I have been an artist for over 20 years, and it has been amazing. I will paint as long as I have the strength and opportunity, because it is my whole life.
Cover photo – Kahil al Shaqab and Shanghai EA
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