Portals

Adela’s work explores the relationship between time, memory, landscape and cultural identity. Originally from Poland, Adela grew up in Orkney, and her work endeavors to capture the conflict she feels being connected to two different places, while considering the similarities and contrasts between them.

During her years at Kirkwall Grammar School, Adela was part of Piergroup, the Pier Arts Centre’s young people’s collective, an experience she describes as ‘wonderful and formative’, commenting “Being part of the Piergroup allowed me opportunities to explore and take part in the contemporary art world. Collaborating with artists, creative group projects and going on art trips were an amazing way for me to build confidence and gain experience as an aspiring artist.”

Pier Arts Centre Curator Andrew Parkinson commented “It’s great to see how Adela has evolved as an artist and we are delighted to be able to offer continued support as she develops her practice.

As we look forward to celebrating the work of Orkney’s latest cohort of art graduates in early 2026, I hope some of our aspiring young artists will see Adela’s exhibition and be inspired to pursue a career in the arts.”

Describing her work as ‘Landscape Portraits’, Adela explains that her work captures human existence without the presence of human form. The result is a dialogue between personal and collective memory of places of significance to the artist.

After graduated from the Glasgow School of Art with a BA (Hons) in Painting and Printmaking, Adela’s work was exhibited at the Pier Arts Centre in CREATIVE VARIANTS – Orkney’s Art Graduates 2019 to 2021 in early 2022, and Inside Landscape – the natural environment observed by women artists in 2023.

Adela continued “Being invited to exhibit work as part of the Inside Landscape exhibition alongside both contemporary and historical women artists, some of whom have been of great influence to my practice, was a huge honour - my work was hanging next to a piece by Hepworth, which is amazing.

I can’t imagine having my first solo show anywhere else, and feel very grateful for the ongoing support I’ve had from PAC over the years.”

Join Adela for an informal look around the exhibition on Saturday 27 September, 3-4pm. Admission is Free and no booking required.

The Pier Arts Centre is open Tuesday-Saturday 10:30am-5pm. Admission is free.