PŁÓCIENNIK HENRYK, Charms of the Sea, 1975, ed. 39/50

autocynography, paper; in st. p.p. 53, 5 x 35.5 cm; framed: 78 x 59 cm; Signed, dated, described at bottom in pencil: "Charms of the Sea" 39/50 autocynography 1975 (A.P.) Henryk Plóciennik

Henryk P£ÓCIENNIK (1933-2020)
Outstanding graphic artist, painter and draughtsman, considered one of the most important autodidacts in Polish post-war art, who with his determination and talent earned a position equal to academic masters. Connected throughout his life to the Łódź art community, he became one of its most prominent figures. A member of the International Association of Wood Engravers XYLON, he has been repeatedly awarded at prestigious graphics reviews at home and abroad, including the International Biennale of Graphics in Cracow.
Plóciennik's work is a fascinating process of evolution from expressive figuration, through surrealistic oneirism to monumental geometric abstraction. The artist masterfully operated with metal techniques (aquatint, autotype) and linocut, in which he developed a recognizable style based on the rhythm of lines and a synthetic approach to form. The motif of the nude, landscape and architecture often recurs in his paintings and prints, subjected to rigorous stylization and geometrization, which gives the works a timeless, almost hieratic character.
Henryk Płóciennik's works can be found in the most important public collections, including the National Museums in Warsaw, Poznań and Cracow, the Museum of Art in Łódź, and in foreign collections, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the National Library in Paris. He is highly regarded on the auction market for his workshop proficiency and unique ability to combine austerity of form with deep poetic sensitivity.