Polish Artist’s Terrifying Art And His Sad Life Story

Apocalyptic and dystopian art has been popular since about the 90’s. Few works are darker than those of Zdzisław Beksiński. His creatures are misshaped wretches that might have been human once, his landscapes are painted orange and red by some unseen fires; Eerie monstrosities stride in the mists surrounding foreboding monuments. What does it all mean? Nothing – Beksinski never knew the meaning behind his works and was adamant against any sort of interpretation.

Zdzisław Beksiński was born in Sanok, southern Poland.

Zdzisław started in construction and architecture, but hated it, and became famous as a painter.

Despite his fame as a painter, as well as works as photographer, illustrator, sculptor and graphic designer, Zdzisław Beksiński had never had any formal training in the arts.

In 50s he spent a few years working as a supervisor at construction sites in Krakow and Rzeszow for Autosan bus factory, designing buses and minibuses.

He painted on hardwood boards he prepared himself. He mostly used oils, though he experimented with acrylics, too.

Beksiński never provided names nor explanations for any of his paintings. 

While his art was grim, Beksiński was a kind man with a keen sense of humor

In 1984 he established a contract with Piotr Dmochowski, who spread his popularity in the west.

Most of the the disturbing, apocalyptic artwork was made during the fantastic period that lasted up to mid 1980s.

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

His wife died in 1998. A year later, his son, a popular radio host and movie translator, committed suicide.

Beksiński was stabbed to death in Warsaw in 2005. The killer was the son of his long time caretaker who murdered him over about $100.

This is his last painting – “Y” – 21.02.2005 – 98 x 98 cm – finished on the day of his death.