Leszek Rózga, The Freeze, 2002, Etching on Paper

LESZEK RÓZGA (1924-2015).
He studied painting at Maria Skarbek-Kruszewska private atelier in 1945-46. In 1948, he began studies at the art school in Łódź (later: Academy of Fine Arts) in the studios of professors Władysław Strzemiński, Adam Rychtarski, Stefan Wegner and Ludwik Tyrowicz. He graduated with special award from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow in 1954. In 1958 he became a member of the Piąte Koło association ("Fifth Wheel"). In 1967 he began working in the field of graphics in Lodz. In 1971, he co-founded Faculty of Graphic. In 1970s Polish etchings gained world-wide recognition thanks to the activity to artists such as Rózga, whose works are in the collections of Albertina in Vienna, in Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris and in etchings collection of Ermitage in Petersbourg. In 1979 he received the title of professor. Leszek Rózga created a series of colourful graphics inspired by travels and stories from his own life, sometimes bearing inspiration of the XX century masters: Mirò, Matisse and Picasso.