Kasia Frankowicz
Locals Only, 2023
Acrylic, aerosol, oil pastels, ink on canvas
Height 100 cm x Width 75 cm
Artwork is framed and ready to hang & comes with certificate of authenticity
An ode to Hawaii Those 'Locals Only' signs in distant beaches of Hawaii, they mean business. These are the untouched stretches, shielded from the tourist invasion, meant for the surfers and swimmers who truly know the ocean's ways. Some might brush it off, call it nonsense, but there's a vital lesson there for travellers – not everything's yours to claim. The tourists keep coming, taking without understanding, leaving behind scars as deep as the ocean itself, that linger long after their last holiday snap. So, this is my ode, a heartfelt tribute to the locals, the unsung protectors of these sacred shores, the bearers of their culture, and the listeners to the sea's tales. It makes me sad, but I don’t think I can ever ethically visit Hawaii again. Now is their time to mourn, rebuild and reunite. Tourism has led to environmental degradation and fuelled income inequality- part of the reason for the devastating fires. Hawaii will forever be so special to me, I’ll miss it so much, but it’s far better off being for locals only.
Artist Bio: While some of her pieces delve into the profound layers of her journey, exploring the complexities of her Catholic upbringing and celebrating her identity as an intersectional feminist and a queer artist, others radiate with sheer enjoyment. Not every creation is a deep emotional odyssey; some are as joyful and vibrant as they appear, inviting viewers into a world of fun and lively expression. In each stroke and colour choice, Kasia weaves a tapestry that captures both the lighthearted and profound aspects of her personal story. Kasia’s talent has garnered acclaim in prestigious publications, such as Art/Edit and as the cover artist for WB40 Magazine. She has taken centre stage at events like The Other Art Fair and Saatchi Art, earning a special place in the pages of Frankie Magazine, Voyage La and a Bluethumb art prize finalist. Recent highlights include her collaboration with the University of New South Wales, painting a lab coat to celebrate physics, and hand-painting 20 cameras for 35mm Co as part of World Pride, Her work serves as a testament to her commitment to meaningful causes and her unwavering dedication to making a difference through art. Kasia Frankowicz’s art radiates the vibrancy of life, a captivating blend of contemporary pop, personal narrative, and social awareness, all brought together with finesse and flair.