Atelier Margot – International School of Japanese Painting
My name is Margot Tohkou 東虹 Olejniczak. I am a Swiss-Polish artist and instructor of Japanese ink painting in Europe. I received the Japanese artistic name Tohkou 東虹 in 2021 from my master, Tohun Kobayashi, one of the most distinguished masters of contemporary Japan.
In my art, I work with traditional techniques that have been passed down from master to master over centuries and have never been fully documented in books. Preserving and cultivating these invaluable techniques is of great importance to me.
By grounding my work in traditional styles and enriching them with a contemporary approach and modern means of expression, I achieve results of a unique character. My artistic exploration also focuses on developing a new concept of sumi-e painting through the introduction of contemporary elements. Above all, a clear spirit and mindfulness shape my artistic vision of the world.
In 2017, after ten years of teaching, I founded Atelier Margot – the International School of Japanese Painting, which has been continuously active on the European stage ever since. It is a place where the traditions of the Far East meet Western sensitivity, creating space for creative dialogue, artistic development, and cultural exchange.
Thanks to my numerous journeys to Japan, I discovered the art and philosophy of Japanese ink painting. Since 2002, I have studied sumi-e in Tokyo with Japanese sensei, and since 2012 I have continued my education in the atelier of the renowned master Tohun Kobayashi.
Through intensive and continuous practice, my artistic skills, inner concentration, discipline, and imagination are constantly evolving, shaping my own artistic language.
In 2014, I received the official diploma as an instructor of Japanese sumi-e painting from The Sumie Japan Association.
Today, I teach mainly in Europe. My courses, workshops, and educational activities take place, among others, in Switzerland, Poland, Germany, and Austria, in art studios and cultural centers as well as in renowned educational institutions and meditation houses.
Alongside my teaching work, I regularly participate in group and solo exhibitions in Europe, the United States, and Japan.
In 2016, my artistic work was recognized in Japan with a Special Award at the The National Art Center in Tokyo, followed by another Special Award at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum during Le Salon Blanc – the International Exhibition of Contemporary Art.
In September of the same year, I joined the international artists’ group at the Noho M55 Gallery in New York and became a member of the International Sumi-e Friendship Association of Japan.
The year 2017 brought another international distinction: the International Best Award in the field of Japanese art, calligraphy, and painting, awarded in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Since then, my works have been repeatedly honored and presented at prestigious exhibitions in Japan.
In 2018, I was invited to serve as a jury member for the international exhibition The Art Beyond Boundaries, held at The National Art Center in Tokyo.
In 2020, I was honored with a Special Award from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for three exhibited works as well as for my overall artistic achievements and long-standing promotion of Japanese culture and ink painting outside Japan. This distinction was awarded during the International Exhibition Art for All at The National Art Center in Tokyo.
I am also a member of the International Association of Sumi-e in Japan.
In 2021, I received the official Japanese artistic name Tohkou 東虹 (Eastern Rainbow), bestowed upon me by my master Tohun Kobayashi as a recognition of my artistic path and my commitment to the development of sumi-e painting.
Where you find me
Malgorzata Olejniczak
Malgosia Olejniczak
Malgorzata Olejniczak Art
Margoto Shop
Portfolio
Paintings
Discover the world of unique works, depicting a variety of themes in various Japanese styles
Education
Teaching is one of my main activities. Enjoy discovering, creativity and learning new things
Services
Discover the various facets of my artistic offer – paintings for sale, commissioned works, and many more possibilities, tailored for you.
Exhibitions
Discover selected artistic events and venues where my works can be experienced.
Diploma aus Japan
Forbes Women Polen, Februar 2020 - Artikel über Malgorzata Olejniczak und die japanische Malerei
Artikel für das Magazin von Eko Haus, Düsseldorf, Oktober 2020
Galerie
Meine Galerie präsentiert eine sorgfältig kuratierte Auswahl an Gemälden, die in verschiedenen Formaten und Grössen zum Verkauf stehen. Gerne können Sie mich per E-Mail oder telefonisch kontaktieren, wenn ein Werk Ihr Interesse geweckt hat. Auf Wunsch realisiere ich zudem Auftragsarbeiten, inspiriert von einem gewählten Motiv und individuell abgestimmt in Grösse, Farbpalette und Papierart.
My official Japanese art name
After 20 years of artistic career I have received my Japanese art name: Toh-kou (東 虹)
東 "Toh-" comes from 東雲 Tohun, the first part of my master's name
Special Award of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Art for All
International Group exhibition
23 January - 3 February 2020
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
International Honor Award 2019
Torch of Asia Exhibition
Group exhibition
23 January - 4 February 2019
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
The International Art Award
24 January - 5 February 2018
The Asia Creation Exhibition,
The National Art Center,
Tokyo Roppongi, Japan
The International Best Award
The International Best Award in Japanese art, calligraphy and painting exhibition 2017 Gunma, Japan.
Special Award of the Jury of Le Salon Blanc
1 - 6 April 2016
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Japan
Le Salon Blanc, The International Exhibition of Contemporary Art
group exhibition
Special Award of the Jury
20th Januar-1st Februar 2016
The National Art Center, Tokyo, Japan
group exhibition