Marek Tobolewski, a celebrated contemporary British artist, has dedicated nearly four decades to exploring non-representational art, building a practice that spans drawing, painting, and printmaking across a range of scales. His forthcoming exhibition Congruent Sym at Aleph Contemporary in Stroud offers an opportunity to delve into his visual language, defined by symmetry, free-flowing lines, and the careful interplay between boundary and freedom. His work, which is both meditative and philosophical, centres on achieving stillness through motion, inviting the viewer to reflect on the delicate balance between structure and fluidity in life and art.
A Philosophy of Stillness and Flow
At the core of Tobolewski’s practice lies the tension between controlled, intentional forms and the natural spontaneity of drawing. Tobolewski’s insistence on working freehand—eschewing masking or fluid aids—reflects a philosophy of risk and vulnerability intrinsic to the creative process. His work unfolds through a method that prioritises slow, contemplative action; months of drawing and reworking are often required to achieve the polished finish, with the final stages involving the careful burnishing of the surface using an eraser. This is art that unravels slowly, reflecting the complexities of human existence—it is an exploration of patience, control, and the unknown.
In this sense, his works become symbols of life’s journey—a balance of symmetry and asymmetry, where form and formlessness exist in a delicate dance. The central voids within his symmetrical compositions add an element of tension, offering both a literal and metaphorical space where opposites can coexist. These voids invite the viewer to find their own stillness, creating a moment of shared silence amidst the world’s noise. They mirror the voids within human experience—the gaps between moments, thoughts, and identities—and are a vital element of the meditative quality of his work.
The Significance of Symmetry
Symmetry is a recurring motif in Tobolewski’s art. His Congruent Sym exhibition will further explore the idea of symmetry, not as a static concept, but as something dynamic and full of potential. The visual equilibrium in his paintings often contains an intentional sense of imbalance, disrupting the notion of perfect harmony. This paradox allows Tobolewski’s work to transcend aesthetic appeal, transforming it into a exploration of how symmetry and imbalance intertwine in life. It reflects the human struggle to maintain balance, only to encounter disruptions that compel us to rethink and renegotiate our understanding of equilibrium.
Moreover, the fluidity of the lines in his compositions suggests a continual process—one that does not conform to rigid rules but instead evolves organically, much like the artist’s own journey. The careful yet spontaneous merging and divergence of lines speak to the ongoing negotiation of order and chaos, both within the artist’s mind and the wider world.
A Meditation on Time and Space
Tobolewski’s work is deeply reflective of time—both in the protracted periods required to create his pieces and in the considerations embedded in his practice. His embrace of “slow art,” where every mark carries intention and significance, stands as a counterpoint to the frenetic pace of contemporary life. It invites the viewer to re-examine their relationship with time, encouraging them to slow down and be present in the moment.
Through his meticulous engagement with the materials—whether in the burnished graphite of his drawings or the vibrant and emotive use of colour in his paintings—Tobolewski reflects on transformation. Just as a drawing evolves from rough sketches into a refined and polished work, so too does human consciousness evolve, shaped and reshaped by experience over time.
The Artist’s Legacy and Vision
Tobolewski’s artistic journey is as much about personal transformation as it is about the broader human experience. His heritage plays an integral role in his identity as an artist. Born to Polish parents who endured the hardships of war and displacement, his family history may inform his deep connection to themes of transition, loss, and rebuilding. These themes, while often implicit, resonate within his work, where symmetry seems to symbolise the search for balance and order in a chaotic world.
Throughout his career, Tobolewski has also been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists, as seen in his role as an educator. This fusion of practice and pedagogy highlights his belief in the cyclical nature of art—the constant revisiting of earlier works for inspiration and renewal. His contributions to contemporary art, alongside his mentorship, leave an enduring impact on the creative community, fostering both individual growth and collective reflection on the role of art in an ever-changing world.
Congruent Sym continues Tobolewski’s exploration of symmetry, balance, and structure. His compositions bring together precise forms and fluid lines, creating a sense of rhythm and movement. The works reflect his process-driven approach, where repetition and variation play a central role in shaping each piece.
May 30th - June 28th 2025 at Aleph Contemporary, Stroud - Open Friday and Staurday 10-4 and other times by appointment.
