Ruth Poniarski’s art takes viewers on a journey that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. Her artistic path began in the late 1980s after a decade in the architecture field. With a degree from Pratt Institute, she initially worked in construction, but in 1988, she shifted her focus to painting. This shift allowed her to dive into a more creative realm, where she explored surrealism and drew inspiration from mythology, philosophy, and literature.
Her love for the written word also became a central part of her creative process. In 1995, Poniarski began pairing her paintings with poetry, adding an extra layer of meaning to each piece. This combination of visual and literary art offers a deeper experience, inviting viewers to connect more fully with her work.
Poniarski’s paintings, including Rousseau’s World, Moonshadow, and Second Wave, exemplify this blend of nature, introspection, and surreal imagery. Each piece speaks to her fascination with the natural world while encouraging personal reflection.
Rousseau’s World (acrylic on canvas, 40″ x 42″) depicts a peaceful moment between the artist and a lion by a river in Africa. The lion, often a symbol of strength and power, is shown here as curious and contemplative. This scene emphasizes the quiet bond between human and animal, highlighting coexistence rather than conflict. The river, flowing gently beside them, represents time and change, while the lion’s reflection hints at the connection between perception and reality. Through this painting, Poniarski explores themes of curiosity, peace, and observation. The accompanying poem enriches these ideas, balancing the quiet stillness of the moment with the potential for action.
In Moonshadow (acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 42″), Poniarski shifts to a nocturnal setting. A horse pauses by a reflective pool, gazing at its own image under the soft light of the moon. The long shadows cast by the moon give the scene a mysterious, introspective quality. Like the lion in Rousseau’s World, the horse seems deep in thought, considering its place in the world. The painting reflects the inevitability of growth and change over time. The connection between the horse and the moon suggests the cyclical nature of life, much like the changing seasons. The poem accompanying this piece enhances the theme of renewal, drawing on symbols like Taurus, water, and moss to represent the ongoing transformation in nature.
Second Wave (acrylic on canvas, 36″ x 42″) introduces a sense of motion and regeneration. A creature stands on a beach, watching as a wave retreats into the ocean. The scene captures the fleeting nature of life, with the wave leaving a temporary imprint on the sand before being swept away. The creature’s quiet observation reflects an acceptance of life’s impermanence. The second wave, mentioned in the accompanying poem, symbolizes new beginnings, as well as the remnants left behind by the first. This imagery of cycles—of endings leading to new starts—recurs throughout Poniarski’s work, highlighting her focus on renewal and the passage of time.
Poniarski’s art offers more than just visual appeal—it invites emotional engagement. Each painting is a reflection on the transient moments in life, the mysteries of time, and humanity’s connection to the natural world. The combination of surreal imagery and thoughtful poetry encourages viewers to explore the deeper meanings within her work. Her art is not simply to be viewed but to be felt, offering a space for reflection and introspection.
Through her seamless fusion of surrealism, nature, and poetry, Ruth Poniarski creates a contemplative world for her audience. Her work resonates with those who seek meaning in life’s ordinary moments while pondering larger themes of existence. In combining painting with poetry, Poniarski provides an immersive experience that allows viewers to embark on their own personal journeys of thought and imagination.
