Joanna Ambroz. The End of Forgiving. 2025. Oil on canvas. 50×70 cm.

"I want to emphasize the universality of human existence in the context of sensations and conflicts and initiate a dialogue on the contemporary condition of the individual."

- Joanna Ambroz

Behind her portrayal of the arrow, Joanna Ambroz’s newest series aims to deepen our understanding of symbolism through her interpretation of texts by psychotherapist and founder of Analytical Psychology Carl G. Jung. By unveiling the innate emotions that arise when we are surrounded by recurring motifs we are asked to analyze our relationships with the meanings we have assigned them. 
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Join us for this November’s Q&A with Ambroz shares her current inspirations and discusses what the autumn season brings for her artistic journey. 
 

Joanna Ambroz. You Will be walking a lot, biting a little. 2025. Oil on canvas. 50×70 cm.

What is impacting your practice at the moment?

Joanna Ambroz: I have just read C.G. Jung’s book Man and His Symbols. It marks a new stage in deepening my interest in symbols, signs, and Jung’s ideas. Over the past two years, I have explored the theme of the shadow in painting – I interpreted it as a black, nameless substance, which some people see as a snake and others as tar.

In April this year, I discovered a new symbol – the arrow. It does not hurt if we know how to catch it. It represents a message or a feeling that we can reflect on instead of reacting immediately. The arrow always comes from the outside – even though it is an old object, it is still recognizable in our culture, associated both with danger (as that was its original purpose) and, paradoxically, with the beginning of love.

Joanna Ambroz. Voice and shadow IV. 2025. Korean ink, ivory-colored paper, natural texture, thickness 280 g/m². 19.9 x 19.3 cm.

What work are you most excited to make next?

JA: Every work is exciting because with each one I learn something new – about myself or about the things that bother me.

What first comes to mind when you think of the month of November? Do you have a personal connection with it?

JA: I was born in autumn, and it’s always a wonderful time for me. I feel new and refreshed; I appreciate every day and draw new energy to create. In the past two weeks, I have started seven new paintings, and I feel really satisfying about it.

Joanna Ambroz. Voice and shadow II. 2025. Korean ink, ivory-colored paper, natural texture, thickness 280 g/m². 19.9 x 19.3 cm.

When creating a new piece, what does your process usually look like?

JA: It happens in a moment – I simply need to understand something or record what has happened or what I have felt. I have a new canvas supplier now, and I have the feeling that each canvas already holds a painting, and I just need to uncover it.

Joanna Ambroz. The End of Turning a Blind Eye. 2025. Oil on canvas. 61 × 46 cm.

"I am working with painting, posters and books in a total sense. I am interested in current events and the pains and passions of my friends and family. I am part of a generation rooted in a culture of constant self-improvement and a belief in the individual’s absolute ability to self-regulate and impact the world around them."

- Joanna Ambroz