Dariusz Zawadzki: A Modern Polish Fantasy Master

Some time back I posted a couple of articles showcasing the paintings of murdered Polish artist Zdzisław Beksiński. The incredible work of Beksiński has inspired a legion of modern Polish artists. One of these artists is Dariusz Zawadzki.

Dariusz Zawadzki was born in Szczecin in the northwest of Poland in 1958 and is described as having been a sensitive type even since childhood. Fully self-taught, from a young age he was adept with a paintbrush, mastering the art of oil on wood.

The subject matter of his work often includes birds or feathers nestled amongst alien invaders and sci-fi landscapes:

There were always birds in my dreams and visions, I don’t know why. I was subconsciously fascinated with them. Today I’m fully aware of their mysteriousness and independence. Birds also have many symbolical associations, which I sometimes use.

Here are some more words from the nimble-fingered master:

Since I was a child I have had various visions and dreams that built surreal worlds in my imagination. These worlds came first, and then I felt a need to express them by drawing. When I was eleven years old I started painting.

I never use a sketch-book, because I don’t want to force myself to reproduce on a painting something that was already put on paper. The most beautiful moment is when I’m standing in front of a white, clear board when I am just starting to paint.

When I was eleven years old I started painting. I wanted to go to an artistic secondary school, but I was told that my eyesight is too poor for that. Well, I can’t agree… From then on I’ve been self-teaching and getting to the bottom of painting craft myself. I don’t regret having chosen this path. It may have been more difficult, yet it let me develop my own techniques.

In a recent interview with Fantasy Magazine Zawadzki tells the interviewer what he’s up to these days:

I’m working mainly on taming my parrots. No, seriously, now I’m doing a lot of different things at one time. I’m painting a new piece and finishing a few older ones. I’m sculpting, constructing a motorcycle, and working on baroque-style frescos.

So, a busy boy then. If you like his stuff and want to buy prints CLICK HERE.

MORE DARK ART:

CLASSY RUSSIAN GUERILLA STREET ART

VANIA ZOURAVLIOV’S SINISTER PAINTINGS

GUSTAVE DORE – THE MASTER OF DARKNESS