To Touch the World with a Line. The Art of Tadeusz Kulisiewicz
Discover the world through the eyes of Tadeusz Kulisiewicz — an artist who transformed simple lines into powerful stories of human resilience, culture, and history.
By District Museum of the Kalisz Land
Tadeusz Kulisiewicz - born Kalisz 1899 - died 1988 Warsaw
Children with a Lamb
A woodcut from the Szlembark series depicts shepherd children with a lamb—a symbol of childhood and early labor. The figures have angular shapes, oversized heads, and bony hands, while the rugged mountain landscape serves as a stark backdrop.
Mother and Child (from the "Szlembark" series) (1938-1939) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Mother and Child
A mother and child from Szlembark resemble an ancient sculpture. Inspired by classical art, Kulisiewicz emphasized their monumentality and austerity. The woman’s large, work-worn hands express the harsh reality of mountain life.
Fishermen on the Lake (from the "China" series) (1952-1953) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Fishermen on the Lake
Inspired by Kulisiewicz’s journey to China, this drawing depicts four fishing boats arranged in parallel, each carrying fishermen lowering bamboo dip nets into the water. The diagonal lines formed by their outstretched arms create a dynamic.
A drawing from Brazil portrays a man leading a heavily loaded donkey. The interplay of light and shadow creates a stark contrast, while the restrained lines emphasize the laborious effort. The other drawing was also created after the artist traveled to Brazil. Three female figures stand against a black background, with the central one depicted in full-bodied form. The other two resemble carnival masks, alluding to Brazilian culture.
Cows (from the series "Mountain Landscapes") (1969) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Cows (Mountain Landscapes)
Three cows emerge from darkness, their contours illuminated by light. The monochromatic, almost abstract composition lends the scene an enigmatic quality.
Woman with a Goose
A drawing of a rural woman and an oversized goose, executed with a single contour on a sepia-toned background. The woman appears to withdraw from the bird—an everyday scene tinged with an air of unease.
Calf (drypoint) (1948) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Calf (drypoint)
The last drypoint etching Kulisiewicz created before dedicating himself fully to drawing. It features a reclining calf, outlined in sparse, synthetic contours. The only expressive element is its dark pupil—a focal point that imbues the piece with a melancholic tone.
San Gimignano (from the "Italy" series) (1937) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
San Gimignano
A vision of Tuscany from Kulisiewicz’s European travels in 1937. The drawing captures the medieval towers of San Gimignano rising above the trees. Masterful use of line creates a painterly quality.
Church of St. Alexander
A drawing from the Warsaw 1945 series depicts the ruins of St. Alexander’s Church, evoking the city’s post-war devastation. The somber composition and deep shadows convey a sense of loss—Kulisiewicz himself lost his entire artistic oeuvre during the war.
Untitled (from the series "Burnt Landscapes") (1981) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Untitled (Burnt Landscapes)
An abstract composition inspired by the ruins of post-war Warsaw. A black form at the bottom resembles the earth, while above it rises a fractured, surreal structure. The background is gray, uniform, and occupies the majority of the image’s field.
Hindu (from the "Drawings from India" series) (1956) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Hindu
A portrait of a Hindu man from Kulisiewicz’s travels to India in 1956. Rendered in a few soft lines, he appears weary and contemplative. The restrained form conveys the psychological depth of the subject.
Mask (Mexico) A drawing of a mask inspired by Kulisiewicz’s journey to Mexico. The asymmetrical features and bared teeth evoke unease. The expression, reminiscent of a skull, alludes to Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions. Dance I (Mexico) Three dancing figures inspired by Mexican culture. A woman with maracas and masked companions form a dynamic composition full of diagonal lines and rhythmic energy.
Sketchbook from Mexico (1957) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Sketchbook from Mexico
One of Kulisiewicz’s 31 sketchbooks, filled with drawings from his travels in Mexico. The artist spontaneously recorded scenery. In this particular sketchbook, Kulisiewicz most often depicted scenes from the daily life of the people of Mexico.
Mask (from the series "My Art History") (1977) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Mask (My Art History)
A drawing of a pre-Columbian mask from Kulisiewicz’s collection, a gift from Diego Rivera. Its raw, geometric form and enigmatic expression reflect the spirit of ancient Latin American cultures.
Head of a Girl (Cuba) A portrait of a Cuban girl from 1977. Sparse lines accentuate her facial features, elongated neck, and playful hairstyle. The decorative waves of her hair contrast with the minimalist contour. The Armored Man is Searching for Mischa A drawing inspired by The Caucasian Chalk Circle at the Berliner Ensemble, which Kulisiewicz sketched during the performance. Two figures with mask-like faces, devoid of background and chiaroscuro, appear detached from reality.
Seated Nude (1960-1980) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Seated Nude
A seated female nude, viewed from behind. Minimalist lines highlight the natural pose and delicacy of the figure. Kulisiewicz masterfully conveys sensuality with an economy of means.
Nude (drawing) (1972) by Tadeusz KulisiewiczDistrict Museum of the Kalisz Land
Nude (drawing)
A female figure in a reclining pose, captured in an ascetic contour. The relaxed body, with its soft curves of hips and back, dominates the composition, imbuing it with subtle eroticism.
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