About
My work as an artist is to live as an intentional observer in the world and strive to become a more aware and conscious thinker. Remaining attentive and sensible to unique and ephemeral light contrasts allows me to generate flexibility, to let go of attachments, and to change in the inner world first and the outer world second.
Working with acrylics, pencils, mixed media, and other techniques, my imagery plays freely with color, light and shadow and resources form a two-step process which starts with the external light effect and continues with an internal color awareness process in my mind, resonating with Paul Klee’s quote: ‘Art does not represent the visual world, it makes things visible.’
In my daily walks I am in constant search of magical effects where sunlight interacts with translucent to opaque organic structures. Sometimes it’s the light and the shadow; other times it’s the texture and the repetition. From this, internally, I align with neuroscientist Semir Zeki when he says: “The function of art and the function of the brain are one and the same: looking for consistencies and essences” My paintings are the result of such a continuous mental search for consistencies and essences.
BIO
Peruvian Canadian artist Monica Prochazka is based in Vancouver. Her career has encompassed many forms and materials. Working in oils, acrylics, pencils, pastels, and exploring fiber and wood, she comfortably moves between vibrant abstract expressionism and a self-defined surrealism. In 2007, her search for texture led her towards working in fiber and applied art. She gained acclaim for producing hand knotted rugs, where she enjoyed the challenge of producing texture, composition, and color by playing with the smallest unit: a knot.
Monica has a BFA from Catholic University of Peru, where she worked as a professor for several years after graduating. She also has a Master´s degree in University Education from Technological University of Peru. Between 2001 and 2006 she created Dialogos Art Center, following her belief that anyone can create art regardless of their artistic abilities. Her extensive art teaching experience includes art, design, and creativity courses (1980 – 2007) in numerous institutions in Peru and Canada, including Catholic University of Peru, Toulouse Lautrec Design Institute, Seymour Art Gallery, Silk Purse, and North Shore Continuing Education.
Prochazka’s work has been exhibited in numerous group exhibitions in Vancouver, Sydney, and Lima. She has also participated in district and provincial art competitions in Vancouver, where her art was awarded with Honorable Mention, First Place Award, and the Award of Excellence. Her paintings can be found in numerous international private collections. In 2019, her art – both paintings and rugs – was exhibited at Hotel Casa Republica in Lima, for inclusion in their permanent collection.