The Designer series opens with Prof. Ph.D. Robert Jundo – an outstanding figure in Polish contemporary art. Privately, he is a fan of Harley Davidson motorcycles and heavy metal music. For The Designer-a Stockholm, we present his 36 works of digital print etched on titanium-zinc metal sheets, using the old method masters, titled “Angels Never Die”.
What message does contemporary art carry today?
JW: Dark inspirations, but in his heart, the Professor is like an Angel – involved in the social and educational problems of young generations. What do we need to teach people about art today?
RJ: My collection is a manifest of the immortality of art, conveying that even in the face of fast, social changes, passing trends, and fashions, art is like angels – it never dies. It’s like a phoenix from the ashes, always finding new life and forms. Nowadays, due to the development of the media, the recipient becomes more aware and ready to make their own decisions and subjective assessments. I believe that as artists and educators, we just need to direct them in the right direction of art. However, now I see that art is entering the era of Artificial Intelligence. This is a fascinating direction that attracts the viewer’s attention, but at the same time requires a certain type of leadership. When talking about art, sometimes it may stop for a moment, but that’s just to take a breath before moving full force into a new stage. It’s like a moment of reflection, but art never dies! I want my audience to understand that art is not just pictures on the walls or sculptures in space – now it is also an exploration of areas related to Artificial Intelligence. In summary, my thoughts focus on the dynamics of art, its adaptability, and its rebirth in various forms. This is an artistic journey that I want to share with others by directing them toward understanding and appreciating the diversity of art in the modern world.
JW: The professor became involved in the activities of the Madame Chromatique Foundation, donating your work with the same title. Looking at them, it’s hard to find inspiration in women’s threads. So let’s talk about the author’s interpretation.
RJ: Women have always been my most important companions in life. My wife and two my daughters always became the first critics of my new artworks. It was impossible to avoid their harsh opinions. But it was these close relationships that taught me how important it is to accept criticism with humility and respect. The title “Madame Chromatique” and art itself – for me, it’s like giving a woman life and character. It’s not only about aesthetics but also about emotional and the human dimension of my works. My thoughts about the role of women in my life move to my art, giving it a personal and deep character. It’s fascinating to me how these relationships influence my work. My approach to criticism, especially from those close to me, comes from science and openness to different perspectives. These women in my life are inspiration and support, and it ultimately translates into the diversity and richness of my work.
JW: When did your passion for art grow?
RJ: The birth of my passion for art took place already in primary school. Over time various awards and recognition started, which made me realise that it could be worth following this artistic path. These were moments of realization for me that God gave me a talent that is worth cultivating. The awards I won were like a unique seal that the choice of artistic path was right. I still hold this belief to this day. I started this artistic journey with such passion, it stems from the belief that art is a gift from God. This gives meaning and depth to my work. Even though some time has passed since those school days, I still hold on to this belief. This is motivation for me to continue to develop my skills, and artistic potential and use the talent I have received.
JW: The art collection titled “Angels Never Die” has a unique message. Master once upon a time will leave, but his art will survive. Passion too, because we can find motorcycle inspiration in it. Let’s talk more about it.
RJ: My graphic collection is my departure from routine, inspired by the Hells Angels anthem- “Angels Never Die”. When I look at my graphics from an iconographic perspective, I see fascinating connections between motorcycle drivetrain diagrams, my free painting gestures, and abstract geometric forms. These motorcycle drive diagrams always were a source of inspiration for me, they symbolize power and energy. But I decided to add something of my own – painting freedom, something that goes beyond the technical side. I wanted these graphics to be not only mechanical, but also be artistic and personal. Noticeable dependencies between the abstract forms and the concrete elements of the motorcycle suggest a deeper meaning to me, meaning and experimenting with different forms. I want viewers to feel the dynamic and complex structure of my works, where technology meets with painting expression. As for the message, it may be an exploration of the relationship between technology and art, in the context of motorcycle culture. I want my graphics to convey a specific mood, something more than just that pattern – I want viewers to feel the power and passion of the motorcycle cult.
JW: Sounds like a complicated thought process for an engineer. Is this the specificity of working on work?
RJ: In my approach to creating graphics, I draw from an extensive database of individual elements. I try to multiply them to create a complex compositional structure for my works. For me, it’s like experimenting with a puzzle, where each piece has its place and the whole comes together alive. In my works, I try to combine abstract structures with natural elements, such as landscapes, and technical aspects such as engines and transmission systems. I want my works to be like a combination of different worlds – technical and natural. This connection can be made for the viewer, a bit like a journey between the mechanical and the organic. Sometimes I want to emphasize harmony between these two worlds, and sometimes it may be an attempt to show conflict or tension between them. What’s interesting to me is how different elements work together, and what feelings and thoughts they awaken in the recipient. I want my works to provoke reflection and discovery of different perspectives.
JW: What are the challenges in digital graphics today?
RJ: Indeed, modern technology opens up amazing opportunities for artists, but at the same time, it challenges them to choose the best path for their artistic workshop. With a variety of multimedia programs and arts available to explore, the artist can choose from many paths. The possibilities are huge – from computer graphics, through artificial intelligence, to virtual reality. The dilemma of choice may result from individual interests and skills, but also from what the artist wants to convey to the audience. It is important to choose a field of art that fits your own vision and artistic expression. Considering fairness to the recipient is crucial. Striving to understand what the message is, what you want to communicate, and how technology can be used to achieve this is an important step. Regardless of the field you choose, it is also worth being aware of technological evolution, to be able to adapt your approach to new opportunities.
JW: Referring to the title of the Magazine, does the Professor, as an Artist, feel like a Designer?
RJ: In today’s world where multimedia is everywhere, the artist also plays the role of a creative designer. The ability to combine various artistic plans allows an artist not only to express yourself but also to reach a wider audience. Creativity in the field of design becomes a key tool that allows you to create more than just aesthetic, but also functional and surprising works. A contemporary artist-designer can experiment with different forms of art, combining them in an original way that attracts the attention of diverse audiences. Thanks to this approach, the artist can communicate a more effective message and adapt to the dynamic expectations of modern society.
JW: Can you say that the Professor “designs” digitally and expresses through art emotions of modern man?
RJ: Nowadays, as an artist, there is no way to avoid digital graphics. This tool has become necessary to convey my ideas in various media. Digital art allows me to experiment with form, color, and texture in ways that would otherwise be difficult to achieve with traditional techniques. The intermedial nature of art, especially in the modern context of multimedia media, makes digital graphics a key element of my projects. This tool allows me to create works that are dynamic, interactive, and compatible with the requirements of today’s technologies. In the world of the Internet and social media, digital graphics allow me to widely distribute my work and communicate with a variety of audiences around the world. It’s like a bridge for me, connecting traditional art forms with modern communication challenges.
JW: Where can we see and buy Professor’s works?
RJ: If you are interested in purchasing my works, feel free to contact me via e-mail: jundo@wp.pl. I will be happy to provide any information regarding my art and the availability of works. Additionally, my works are also available through various art distributors and art platforms. I also cooperate with the Madame Chromatique Poland Foundation, -which is an additional way to purchase my works.
About Artist
ROBERT JUNDO
Born in 1967 in Łódź, currently lives and works in Dziektarzewo near Lutomiersk. In the years 2004-2009 he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts. Władysław Strzemiński in Łódź at the Faculty of Graphics and Painting. Scholarship holder of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in 2008. He obtained his diploma with distinction in 2009 at the Digital Technologies Studio of Prof. Grzegorz Chojnacki. The best diploma of the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź in 2009. In 2011, he started working at the Faculty of Graphics and Painting at his alma mater as an assistant to Prof. Grzegorz Chojnacki at the Digital Techniques Studio. He obtained his PhD in 2016. He received his habilitation degree in 2022 at the Faculty of Fine Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź. He runs his online gallery, Pixel, on the ASP website. Participant of many individual and collective exhibitions in Poland and abroad. Since 2017, he has been a member of the “Powidoki” group from Łódź, with which he carries out artistic projects inspired by, among others, avant-garde heritage, such as the series of exhibitions “In the Footsteps of Strzemiński” and “FORmy”. A fan of motorcycles, the Harley Davidson brand, and heavy metal music.
About the author:
Joanna Wiernicka
Image and communication expert. Editor and correspondent of The Designer. Art lover, good taste, and building relationships. She is regularly involved in creative, international projects for the education of children and youth in cooperation with business sectors.
Special thanks to Ilona Wołczyńska and Marcin Garniec – Business English Experts – for help in editing the material in English.
16.02.2024 Stockholm
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