Ryszard Stryjec - drawing and printmaking from the collection of the National Art Gallery in Sopot

Ryszard Stryjec (1932-1997) is known primarily as a graphic artist, although he also created sculptures and paintings. However, it was his graphics that brought him international recognition.

Art historians have called him the Danzig Dürer, noting the affinities of his art with the works of medieval and Renaissance masters, while on the other hand placing him among the representatives of 20th-century symbolism and even surrealism.

Ryszard Stryjec drew inspiration for his graphics from mythology, the Bible, medieval literature, and motifs of death, transience, the struggle between good and evil appear in his works. Women and horses are other sources of inspiration and favorite motifs of his graphics. In the background of many works appears historic architecture and the history of Gdansk – the city where he settled after returning from exile in Kazakhstan, where his family was deported from Vilnius.

The leitmotiv of all of Ryszard Stryjec’s art are eschatological themes, emphasizing the transience and fragility of human existence in the context of passing and death (…) Intriguing and delightful (…) is the world of subtle lines and seemingly intricate ornaments, (…) full of mythical creatures , beautiful women , knights and saints – emanating a dark mystery. – writes Magdalena Olszewska in the catalog dedicated to the collection of the artist’s works in the Sopot gallery.

Ryszard Stryjec’s graphics have been exhibited and awarded in Polish, European and American galleries (Warsaw, Gdansk, Wroclaw, Malbork, Paris, Bremen, Vilnius, Cologne, Chicago).