NYC BASED
Krzysztof Pastuszka is an interdisciplinary artist who spans sculpture, drawing, engineering, and computer design. Much of his work focuses on the complexity and tension in transition/transitioning, giving voice to his experience growing up as a trans kid in the late 90s -2000s. His process consists of idea generation and the testing and creation of prototypes to generate a multitude of parts. He focuses on mechanical movement and the interplay between parts to visualize the intricacies of change and focus on the necessity of each component's ability to cooperate with another and create movement. He uses motion as a way to expose all the micro-operations and mental acrobatics involved in navigating and rejecting the unchanging nature of cisnormativity. He combines his array of skills to envision and compose an elaborate trail of blueprints archiving the hidden and unseen essence of his trans experience--building documentation that didn't exist in his childhood. His current body of work consists of multiple assemblies within one mechanical sculpture. In his words, "Once we begin to pull apart the systems, pull apart the assemblies and view each piece independently, every part is digestible, every piece makes more sense, and we can see that every piece counts. It's the same with being trans when you start to understand us and decide to understand us as individuals. When you choose to have a relationship with a trans person, you can start pulling apart the inaccurate views that create unnecessary and oppressive obstacles for trans folks and merge into a more inclusive society—allowing trans folks to coexist equally". His work is an archive of his methods of survival, by which he establishes proof of the value within his trans perspective. He hopes this proof encourages trans youth to see the value within themselves.
Krzysztof received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts; he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from NYC College of Technology. His work has been exhibited at Elisa Contemporary Art Gallery, the New York Design Center, the Affordable Art Fair, and Visual Arts Gallery in NYC.
