Interview: Tycjan Knut

Tycjan Knut, born in 1985 in Warsaw, is a Polish artist whose practice is rooted in abstraction. Educated at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, where he studied under Prof. Jarosław Modzelewski, and later earning a Ph.D. at the Jan Kochanowski University Institute of Fine Arts, Knut’s foundation lies in a rigorous academic training that emphasized technical precision and daily practice. His education included extensive focus on figurative drawing and painting, which continues to inform his abstract works today. Now based in London, Knut’s work has gained international recognition for its intuitive approach and unique material sensitivity. His paintings, often characterized by subtle tonal shifts and layered compositions, exist at the intersection of historical influence and contemporary exploration.

Knut’s art is deeply informed by the overlooked legacy of Polish abstraction, particularly the mid-20th century movement that emerged as a response to the sociopolitical constraints of the time. In a recent interview on 2nd January of 2025 with Louis Buysse of Buysse Gallery, Knut reflects on his education, his inspirations, and his evolving role within the art world. This conversation offers a profound insight into his practice, revealing an artist committed to both the technical and emotional dimensions of his craft.

Educational Foundations and the Influence of Polish Abstraction

Knut’s formative years were shaped by the rigorous demands of Polish art education. “I spent nearly every day drawing and painting for hours, honing skills in academic techniques,” he recalls. This intensive training provided him with a solid technical foundation, enabling him to transition seamlessly into abstraction. However, this was not merely a stylistic shift—it was a conscious engagement with the history and traditions of Polish art.

During his Ph.D. studies, Knut developed a fascination with the “lost history” of Polish abstract art, particularly the artists who emerged during the 1950s and 1960s. Under the constraints of communism, abstraction became a mode of resistance, a way for artists to explore freedom and creativity in an oppressive political climate. Knut describes this tradition as uniquely “warm” and emotional, distinguishing it from the hard-edged geometry of Western European abstraction. “Polish abstraction has this unique flavor—it’s warmer, more emotional. It’s not hard geometry like in Germany; it’s something else, and I try to bring that warmth into my own work,” he explains.

Knut’s interest in this legacy extends beyond his own practice. He has worked to uncover and preserve the works of forgotten abstract artists from Central and Eastern Europe, often digging through archives to rediscover their contributions. “It’s like uncovering a whole cultural system that was larger and more complex than many Western European countries realize,” he notes. This research informs his own painting, allowing him to engage in a dialogue with history while creating works that feel firmly contemporary.

The Intuitive Process of Creation

Central to Knut’s practice is his reliance on intuition. He eschews preparatory sketches and plans, instead allowing his paintings to evolve organically. This process-driven approach is deeply tied to his material choices. Knut is meticulous about the pigments he uses, often favoring earth tones and natural materials over synthetic colors. “For many years, I avoided cadmiums and Titanium White because they felt too harsh. My focus has always been on building harmony through the materials themselves,” he explains.

This intuitive, material-focused approach situates Knut within broader traditions of abstraction while offering a distinct perspective. His works often involve layered compositions, where subtle tonal shifts create depth and movement. He likens his process to a form of “non-verbal” communication, where the painting emerges as a dialogue between the artist and the canvas.

The Role of the Gallery in Contemporary Art

While some contemporary artists embrace social media as a means of bypassing traditional gallery systems, Knut views galleries as essential partners in his career. “For me, the gallery is essential. They take my paintings out into the world, contextualize them, and connect with collectors. It allows me to focus entirely on painting,” he says. Knut’s reliance on galleries reflects his belief in the importance of physical exhibitions. “A photograph of a painting, no matter how high-quality, can’t convey the depth and texture of the work. There’s a psychology to seeing a painting in person, the way the eye travels across the surface, that’s irreplaceable,” he explains.

This emphasis on the physical experience of art aligns with Knut’s commitment to craftsmanship and materiality. His works, with their subtle gradients and layered textures, demand close observation—a quality that is best appreciated in a gallery setting.

Art and Architecture: A Dialogue

Knut’s work has also found a natural place within architectural and interior design contexts. While he primarily works through galleries, he reflects positively on his past collaborations with architects and designers. “I enjoyed the process of designing custom pieces for interiors. It’s a dialogue—fitting a painting into a space while maintaining its integrity,” he shares. For Knut, these commissions were an extension of his broader interest in creating harmonious compositions, where the painting interacts with its environment.

A Relentless Dedication to Practice

Knut’s commitment to his craft is evident in his studio routines. Reflecting on a particularly intense period of work in a repurposed fire station in London, he describes months of uninterrupted painting. “I worked 12 to 14 hours a day, living in the studio. It was a solitary, all-consuming process, but it pushed me to new levels of technical and conceptual development,” he recalls. This period, marked by an almost monastic dedication to painting, underscores Knut’s belief in the transformative power of sustained practice.

Looking Ahead

As Knut looks to the future, he remains focused on his painting while beginning to explore new directions, including a return to figurative elements. “I’ve started revisiting landscapes and other representational forms, not as a departure from abstraction, but as a way to find new solutions within it,” he explains. This willingness to evolve and experiment reflects an artist who is deeply engaged with his practice and its possibilities.

In closing, Knut expresses his opinion for Buysse Gallery and its program. “I appreciate the gallery’s commitment to its vision and its refusal to compromise. It’s a cohesive program that aligns perfectly with my work,” he says. This partnership represents a meeting of shared values, where both artist and gallery are dedicated to creating and presenting art that invites deeper engagement.

Conclusion

Tycjan Knut’s work is a witness to the enduring relevance of abstraction in contemporary art. Rooted in a deep understanding of historical traditions and driven by an intuitive, process-focused methodology, his paintings offer a unique blend of technical rigor and emotional resonance. Through his commitment to craft, his engagement with historical legacies, and his belief in the importance of physical exhibitions, Knut continues to push the boundaries of what abstraction can achieve. His practice is not only a reflection of his personal journey but also a dialogue with the broader history of art, making him a significant voice in today’s artistic landscape.

Interview conducted on the date of 2nd January 2025

Interviewer: Louis Buysse from Buysse Gallery

Interviewee: Tycjan Knut