Andrzej Maria Borkowski

Returning to Portobello Rd brings back fond memories, especially now as I have my own individual exhibition, a significant contrast to my first visit in 1977 where I offered small drawings to late hippie magazines.

As a Polish graphic artist and performer, I came to Britain in 1976 to work with a small fringe theatre in Newark, touring around England, Scotland, and Wales for a year before settling in London to pursue my passion for drawing. Although making a living selling art was challenging, I returned to Poland to teach at the Fine Arts Academy in Gdańsk. I returned to Portobello Rd in 1981 to make drawings for Nicolas Saunder’s and Max Handley’s last version of “Alternative London Guide” and exhibited my first screen-print years later in a group show at The Muse Gallery at 269, the same place where I am now presenting my exhibition, "An Alternate Life".

My life has been an alternating journey between Poland and Britain, performing, teaching art, and creating my artwork. My "BOOKs," which started in the 2000s, are a by-product of my prints, printed on the red pages of cheap sketchbooks, and more carefree and playful in nature. They depict reoccurring themes, mirroring my fascinations, longings, and obsessions, and are all about love, featuring images of women and men in a dance of life surrounded by heart motifs. My prints are settled now and portray heroes and themes, adding a touch of drama with their red background.

Although settled in Bath now, memories of Portobello Rd remain close to my heart. The beautiful red tribal Afghan dress that my ex-wife and I wore on our wedding day was purchased from the market, and my two daughters and their families live nearby.

I am grateful for the support I received from The Muse Gallery and am impressed by its hub of art and creativity.