Exploring Displacement: Peter Barelkowski's Exodus Series Art

An artistic depiction of a group of figures in a dimly lit space with a prominent central figure in a blue coat. The background features a bold red gradient, emphasizing themes of displacement and migration. — The Last Supper, oil on canvas, 48 x 70″

In his Exodus Series, Peter Barelkowski focuses on the always relevant topic of displacement and migration, the never-ending story of human history.

An abstract painting depicting a long line of people and animals against a dark blue sky, symbolizing themes of displacement and migration. — *Exodus Series* (501), oil on canvas, 20 x 20″

Consistent with his minimalist style, Barelkowski’s Exodus series outlines silhouettes, shadows, figures with their belongings moving in single file across an endless landscape.

The symbol of the ladder often appears in Barelkowski’s work and in the Exodus Series, it hovers above or below the horizon offering a path that seems to go unnoticed by the travellers.

A minimalist painting depicting two figures, an adult holding hands with a child, both dressed in suits against a red background. The adult figure has a heart symbol on their attire, and there is a blue shape with text in the background. — Untitled, oil on canvas, 24” x 24”

He has arrived at an artistic expression that is minimalist and almost naïve with a deceptive visual simplicity – Spence Gallery “My work is about the human condition. I explore human experiences such as loneliness and isolation.” – Peter Barelkowski

A minimalist artwork depicting silhouettes of figures, animals, and carts moving across a red landscape, with a sparse horizon and a subtle ladder in the background. — Exodus, 40 x 60,” oil on canvas

Peter Barelkowski has an MA from the University of Poznan and he continued his art education at Goldsmith College (Poznan, Poland), Ontario College of Art in Toronto (1985 – 1988) and less formally – in London, England ( Camden Arts Centre ) and Norway, where he was street performing for tourists during the late 70’s.

Based in Toronto, his paintings are in private collections in Europe, USA and Canada.