Warsaw Voice - Zdzisław Beksiński's Computer Graphics

EXHIBITION
Zdzisław Beksiński's Computer Graphics
12 December 1999

Works by Zdzisław Beksiński are now being exhibited in six Polish cities. The exhibits include the artist's mysterious, upsetting and unreal computer graphic works created last year. One of Poland's leading painters, Beksiński took up computer graphics in the 1990s. Those who have seen his prior work, when he painted extremely fantastic images, may find it difficult to accept his new compositions. "People are asking me, `You can paint, so what's the point of using a computer?'" says Beksiński. However, despite a change of artistic medium, the unique, unreal atmosphere of his visions has remained. The artist calls them "photographed dreams."

Each graphic work was printed in 25 copies with a number and a signature, as done in traditional graphic techniques. The computer version will be erased to prevent printing more copies. Beksiński's works can now be seen in Warsaw's National Museum.

Renes Studio, 18 Trzech Krzyży Sq., open Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Filip Szymborski

Framework
21 July 2002

Warsaw's Zachęta gallery invites the public to an exhibition of photographs by Zbigniew Beksiński dating from the years 1953-1959.

Beksiński has been considered an avant-garde artist for years and recently he has won a reputation as the author of bold and intriguing computer graphic works, produced by photographic processing and compilation. Before experimenting with the computer, Beksiński created drawings and graphic works using office photocopiers. The artist has also created series of sculptures and installations, but photography was the first form of his artistic activity.

The show will be on display from July 27 to Sept. 8. It will feature 145 photographs, trick photos and collages. These works refer to the issues of modernity and progress, themes for which the creator is regarded as the champion of post-modernistic trends in Poland. The exhibit presents works from the collection of the National Museum in Wrocław where most of Beksiński's photographs are housed.

Wiktor Osiecki

POZNAŃ
The Devil Inside

By Dariusz Pietrzak
16 October 2003

Zdzisław Beksiński's exhibitions attract large crowds despite the sometimes unfavorable opinions of critics. His art is not serene or optimistic; rather, the pictures are taken from nightmares filled with corpses, burning houses and cathedrals, tombs and monstrous faces, all amidst a disturbing landscape. His art can be frightening, but the conventions are still there: the world presented is unusual, fantastic, and, rather than attack viewers, it draws them into its magic.

Beksiński, born in 1929, wanted to become a filmmaker. His father did not consent, however, and directed his son to more practical studies in architecture. A compensation for his unfulfilled dreams was his pursuit of art photography. What could not be photographed due to technical limitations at that time, Beksiński started to paint using his imagination which has never had any limits.

For several years now, the artist has created computer photomontage, without giving up painting. His computer-aided works refer to his passions in photography.

The exhibition in Poznań is a multimedia presentation. In addition to several dozen paintings and photomontage, you can see a report from Beksiński's home, an interview with the artist and a projection of slides presenting works not included in the exhibit.

Profil Gallery, Zamek Culture Center, 80/82 Św. Marcin St., through Oct. 25.

Reproduced with
permission from

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