Kasia Frankowicz: A Conversation on Art, Identity, and Finding Belonging
In this candid conversation with Kasia Frankowicz, we dive into her art journey—a raw exploration of belonging, identity, and resilience shaped by her upbringing in Western Sydney and her roots as a child of refugee parents. Through bold colors, street art influences, and nods to her heritage, Kasia’s work pushes boundaries and defies conventions, blending street culture with contemporary pop aesthetics. She opens up about the inspirations behind her work, the causes close to her heart, and how her art serves as a bridge between worlds, both personal and universal.
Kasia’s art is a vibrant fusion of street culture, personal history, and contemporary pop. Growing up in Western Sydney, born to refugee parents, Kasia’s identity was shaped by the feeling of being different, a theme that pulses through her work. Her unique journey has evolved from street art-inspired beginnings to a more nuanced exploration of displacement, identity, and self-expression. Now based in Naarm (Melbourne), she’s committed to finding community through art and creating a platform for authentic, raw voices.
Kasia’s artistic style has its roots in the graffiti and street culture of her childhood, inspired heavily by her brother's graffiti and the raw, dynamic energy of Western Sydney. "Growing up surrounded by street culture and my brother’s graffiti shaped my visual style," she says. This influence manifests in her art through bold outlines, vibrant colors, and layered textures that bring a piece of her past to the present. Her early works involved paste-ups on canvas, often layered and painted over in a way reminiscent of a laneway wall, evolving into a style that blends this raw, rebellious energy with refined concepts and storytelling.
A core theme of Kasia’s art is the journey to belong, an experience influenced by her parents' refugee background.
“I never truly felt like I belonged as a 'Real Australian,' and to this day, there’s a part of me that feels disconnected."
Her work often reflects this tension between feeling grounded and out of place, living in the in-between, and searching for connection. This duality is captured in her depictions of transformation and resilience, drawing from her personal journey of embracing both her heritage and her evolving sense of self. Kasia’s work, such as paintings of a Polish fisherman paying homage to her heritage, or a powerful image of a woman on horseback, serves as a visual diary filled with clues from her past, present, and future. Kasia’s ability to bridge street art with contemporary pop aesthetics adds a dynamic edge to her work.
"Merging street art with contemporary pop allows me to bridge the divide between high and low culture, creating narratives that challenge conventional norms."
This fusion enables her to bring raw emotion into polished, refined themes, constantly embracing the contrasts between these worlds. Although her work often experiments with figurative styles that nod to her street art roots, she avoids confining herself to a single approach. For Kasia, this is a celebration of diversity and self-empowerment, finding truth in intersections and contradictions.
Outside of her art, Kasia is deeply committed to supporting LGBTQI+ youth and anti-violence initiatives for women. Having experienced domestic violence in her own relationships and witnessed it within her family, she is passionate about breaking cycles of abuse and promoting inclusivity. "While my art may not directly address these themes, my work outside of it deeply resonates with these causes," she says. Through community collaborations and projects, such as World Pride, she uses her art to uplift underrepresented voices, celebrating diversity and inclusion in ways that extend beyond the canvas.
Ultimately, Kasia hopes her art can be a part of larger social conversations, even if its impact isn’t immediate. "I’m not sure if my art alone has a huge impact, but I believe the real impact comes from what I do beyond creating it," she notes. Her approach to staying true to her expression lies in creating authentic work and supporting communities that resonate with her values. Through collaborations, advocacy, and the choices she makes as an artist, she aims to foster meaningful conversations and support for those who need it.
In Kasia’s art, we see a powerful blend of rebellion and acceptance, exploration and community, and a deep desire to connect with others on their own journeys of self-discovery. Through her work, she not only tells her story but encourages others to reflect on their own, creating a shared space for introspection, resilience, and belonging.
Learn more about Kasia’s work by following her journey here. For any questions regarding our upcoming event Palette & Palate, send us an email at info@auctionforchange.com