Tropics, mystery and depth of colour are the words that could, in brief, describe the collages created by Polish artist, Łukasz Kuleta. Although he creates pictures for himself, he did not hesitate when Globalworth proposed a project in which the Renoma centre in Wrocław would play the starring role.

On a daily basis, you create collages for yourself. What sold you on the idea of working with Globalworth? Was it how interesting the challenge was or a desire to test yourself? 

Łukasz Kuleta: It’s true that I create a large number of my collages for myself but this is changing. As well as designing posters, which can make an interesting addition to a modern interior for an apartment or an office, I find myself working more often on commercial projects. It seems to me that the universality of collages as well as their non-obvious nature means that more brands are turning to this medium for their communications. Globalworth came to me with an initiative to present and redefine Renoma – one of the buildings in Wrocław with the most character – through the art of collage. The restoration of this building – just like a collage – combines what used to be with what is now. I thought that this would not only be an interesting challenge but it would also give me the chance to discover the history of this extraordinary place.

What did you find the hardest in creating a collage to represent Renoma? Or maybe there were no difficulties and it was just an interesting experience?

Actually, I wouldn’t call it a difficulty but it really was an interesting experience. I am by nature very curious so before I began work on the collage I made a very careful study of the building’s history. I was so absolutely fascinated that I sucked up all the information like a sponge. It is amazing that the glory the building had at the beginning of the 20th century has been successfully restored to it. Renoma has always been a very important point in the city even if only because of its location. Its modernist style mixed with art deco probably makes up an inimical part of the character of the city of Wrocław.

What did you want to express through this project? Do you have some common point?

Renoma is a place to meet up and spend your free time. This was the main idea that accompanied me through the creation of the collage. When walking down Świdnicka heading towards Wrocław’s market square, everyone walks past Renoma. You can’t miss it. It draws your attention with its decoration and the beautiful golden heads on its façade that grab everyone’s interest. It was the same for me, which can also be seen in the collage. So my work is also based on the classic dark shades of graphite and a warm beige. Graphite refers to the façade while beige is for the golden sculptures and the fine details. These colours emphasise how exceptional this place is and work well visually together. The collage was always intended to be simple and even minimalistic. The building was intended to take centre stage. The frame that surrounds the collage is richly decorated and symbolises going beyond time. It joins the past with the present but it also imparts dynamism.

Where does the inspiration for your work come from? What is it that moves you the most?

What most inspires me is what surrounds me and the place where I operate. I am a good observer and listener. Nature, man and plants are what form the core of my work. I believe that there can be nothing more effective. These are the perfect elements. In my collages, the viewer will find many references to nature but also to geometry. I place a lot of importance on symmetry in my work. One common point for all my illustrations is their openness to interpretation. Everyone who sees my collages will see something different and that’s great. In this way, we can develop an open mind, which is a very useful ability today.

Are you planning to work with the real estate sector once again in the future?

Why not! I am open to such work! This collaboration proved to me that collages provide unlimited possibilities. I hope for more inspiring work with Globalworth on further inspirational projects.

I don’t think that I myself know every field where I could use my creativity. With multiple layers and by joining elements that seemingly do not go together, new worlds and histories are created. This is where all the magic and charm in the art of collage lies. My work for Renoma is an excellent example of this. By smuggling in old-school elements into the work and juxtaposing them with current photographs and figures, a picture of what we seemingly know emerges, but can we be certain?

The interview was published on Propertydesign.pl