In his paintings and video works, the Polish artist Łukasz Stokłosa draws on the imagery of European monarchies and their complex history, even monarchies that no longer exist. Abandoned interiors of royal buildings are stripped of grandeur, while other regal symbols – gowns, carriages, crowns and suits of armour – are dulled by washes of grey. Earlier this year, Stokłosa became the first living artist to have a solo exhibition at Wawel Royal Castle in Kraków; he now presents his first show in the United Kingdom, ‘Once upon a time’, at Rose Easton, London (until 25 October), which continues his eerie exploration of royal history.
Where is your studio?
My studio is located in Kraków, close to the Old Town.
How would you describe the atmosphere in your studio?
There’s definitely a bit of chaos and mess in it, but the overall atmosphere feels rather calm.
Is there anything else you don’t like about your studio?
Sometimes the mess bothers me, especially when it’s time to tidy things up. Of course, there’s always too little space, but I think even if I had two or three times more room, it still wouldn’t be enough.
What does your studio routine look like?
My studio is in the same apartment where I live, so I basically have access to it all the time, and I can work whenever I feel the need. I usually paint at night, and that’s probably the main element of my routine. I also spend quite a lot of time browsing through my photographic archives and doing research, so working on the computer is an important part of that routine too.
Do you work with anyone in your studio?
No, I work alone, and I definitely need that solitude in my work.
Do you have many visitors?
I try to keep my studio as my own space, so I don’t really have many guests. I also don’t like showing paintings that are not finished yet.
Who is the most interesting or unusual visitor you’ve had?
Recently, in the middle of the night, a hornet showed up. That was definitely an unexpected visitor.
Do you listen to anything while you work?
I used to listen to music, quite a variety of it. But for quite some time now, I’ve been working much better in silence.
What is the most unusual object in your studio?
It’s hard for me to say, everything in my studio feels completely natural, ordinary, and in its place. But maybe that’s just because I’ve grown used to it.
What is your most well-thumbed book?
A book that recently made a strong impression on me and somehow stuck in my memory is Reflections in a Golden Eye (1941) by Carson McCullers. I keep returning to it, not necessarily physically, but it often comes back in my thoughts.
As told to Lucy Waterson.
‘Once upon a time’ is at Rose Easton, London until 25 October.