Prints and monotypes by Wojciech Weiss

The exhibition, organized by the Nautilus Gallery in Krakow, showcased the Young Poland graphics of Weiss, his constructivist posters, and monotypes – a total of nearly 200 works from the artist’s family collection.

In the early period of Weiss’s graphic work, one can observe not only the symbolism of the fin de siècle and an atmosphere reminiscent of Munch and Przybyszewski, but also remarkable craftsmanship, placing these works among the significant achievements of European art.

Weiss became interested in poster art relatively early and quickly gained high acclaim in this field. His posters, created soon after the groundbreaking works of Toulouse-Lautrec, demonstrate an excellent grasp of the essence of the genre, synthesizing simplified, expressive form with conveyed content. Years later, he returned to poster art, this time employing the new artistic language developed by constructivism, navigating this style with great ease and mastery.

Weiss was closely connected to Krakow, where he lived and worked, as well as to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, where he spent holidays and vacations. The city’s landmarks and corners frequently became subjects of his graphics. Kalwaria’s landscapes and motifs related to the pilgrimages at the Bernardine monastery also appear throughout many years of his graphic work.

The artist traveled extensively. The woodcuts from “Teka 1925” are primarily atmospheric vedute created during his trips to Italy and France, sometimes echoing the expression of German Expressionism.

In Weiss’s graphic art, the theme he masterfully explored in painting – the nude – is also present. Here, using entirely different means, he skillfully depicts the solidity of the body, the effects of light and shadow, and the unique atmosphere of the composition.

Portraits and self-portraits in the techniques of copperplate engraving and woodcut stand out for their modern treatment of form and virtuosity in capturing likeness, showcasing the range of the artist’s abilities.

A less frequently discussed part of Weiss’s graphic achievements is monotype. This medium often served as a field for experimentation and creative exploration for the artist’s boundless talent. These works are characterized by great stylistic and thematic diversity.

The exhibition highlighted the lesser-known but equally captivating artistic facet of Wojciech Weiss, an outstanding Young Poland painter, and a teacher at the Krakow Academy of Fine Arts, where he led, among others, the graphics studio. He was a modern creator who navigated different techniques, eras, and styles with equal ease.