Biography
Ludwik Poniewiera
“Poglądy” Feb. 15-18 1973 (excerpt)
When Ludwik Poniewiera made his debut at the regional ZAPA exhibition he showed his wood carving reliefs, calling attention to himself immediately.
Bold, widely cut planes, balanced contrasts of black and white, well-defined ideas of form. Rarely will you find in a novice, let alone an advanced artist, the skill for synthetic views and the economy of means of expression. Usually these talents develop as one ages and matures.
The reliefs he exhibited over the next few years-usually industrial landscapes, less often a composition of figures-indicated a more forcible personality and personal artistic style, which brought him awards and honors.
Yet, he abandoned-at least for the moment-the graphic arts for painting, in any case that happens quite frequently with graphic artists, who are anxious to try a different discipline if for no other reason then color. It may seem, too, that Poniewiera will search for the color of money on his wasteful palette, but that didn’t happen.
Within the artist exists a restrained, almost ascetic color scale throwing itself with strict discipline reminiscent of the artist’s origins as a graphic artist. He works with wide planes in blacks highlighted with brown accents, whites and greens. His landscapes express seriousness despite a complete lack of esthetic coquetry, noble forms and reflective mood.
Maria Podolska
art critic
art critic