Zdzisław Beksiński: Terrifying Visions Of Hell By Murdered Polish Painter

On May 12, 2013 by Tim Newman

Zdzisław Beksiński was an incredibly talented Polish artist. He depicted bleak and depressing sci-fi scenes. Sadly, his life was cut short by a tragic murder. Here, we examine some of his best work, and recount his tale of woe.

Zdzisław Beksiński (1929-2005) was a Polish-born painter. He had no classical training, and never showed much interest in museums or galleries.

He studied architecture, then started a career as a construction supervisor; but he couldn’t stand it.

He eventually found an interest in sculpture, then photography, and later painting. Those who knew him said he was a kind, humorous, and well-measured man who took little interest in over analysing his own work.

Apparently, Beksiński’s primary was derived from music: He worked while listening to classical music. In the late 1960s, he was considered a leading light in the Polish art scene.

Speaking about his neatly detailed style, he said:

“I wish to paint in such a manner as if I were photographing dreams.”

As for the meaning of his art, he claimed not to know, and he never named them. And he never showed any interest in other people’s interpretations. He said:

“I don’t want to say or convey anything. I just paint what comes to my mind.”

Beksiński’s Murder

The late 90’s were a bleak time for Zdzisław Beksiński. In 1998, his wife died of an illness. One year later, on Christmas eve, his son Tomasz completed suicide, and Beksiński found his body.

Things were about to get even worse for the talented painter. In February 2005, the son of Beksiński’s long-time caretaker argued with him at his Warsaw flat.

The 19-year-old was annoyed with Beksiński because he wouldn’t lend him the equivalent of $100. So, he stabbed him to death. Seventeen wounds in total.

Around 50 of his paintings and 120 drawings, most of which are on board rather than canvass, are now housed in the Beksiński museum. The gallery is in Częstochowa, Poland.