Stanisław Wojcieszyński, pseudonym Wostan (1915–1989), Composition, 1953
Gouache on paper, 32 x 40 cm (framed 47 x 56 cm),
Signed in the lower right corner.
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Stanisław Wojcieszyński was born on November 14, 1915, in Koźmin Wielkopolski. After earning his high school diploma at the State Teacher Training Seminary in Krotoszyn, he studied graphic arts at the State Institute of Fine Arts in Poznań (1935–1938). In 1939, he was drafted and fought in the September 1939 campaign; after the defeat, he emigrated to France, where he joined the Polish forces. After the German occupation of France, he was arrested and remained a prisoner of war until 1945. After his liberation, he settled in Paris, where he resumed his artistic career. He created expressive sculptures from colored plaster and cement, as well as structural compositions from various materials, and dynamic abstract sculptures in metal and wood. He was also interested in collage and woodcut techniques. Prehistoric art and the sculpture of so-called “primitive peoples” were important sources of creative inspiration for him. He represented France at numerous international art exhibitions. He died on July 28, 1989, in Beynes, where he was laid to rest in the local cemetery.
[JR]
