Modern Australian
The Times Real Estate

.

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist

  • Written by Christine Judith Nicholls, Senior Lecturer in Australian Studies, Flinders University
Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, Petrushka, 1962, oil on board, 109.5 x 52.5cm. Photograph: Dieter Eubel.

The relationship between art and life is tricky to navigate. But in the case of the Polish-born Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz (1918-1999) the two seem inseparable. This is evident in the outstanding commemorative solo exhibition of his artistic career, Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz: 100th Anniversary Exhibition, expertly curated by his son Adam and currently on show at South Australia’s elegant Murray Bridge Regional Gallery.

Born in Stara Sol, near Lwow, Wlad (as he became universally known) studied visual art, initially at the Krakow Academy. Later, he studied drama at the Drama Academy of the Polish National Theatre in Lwow. Following this, he travelled to Paris to further his visual arts studies at the prestigious École des Beaux Arts.

At the outbreak of the second world war in 1939, Wlad Dutkiewicz, at just 21, held the position of assistant director of the National Theatre in Lwow. As the war ripped through Europe, Poland was hit especially hard. The Nazis specifically targeted Poles of Jewish faith.

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, 1945, Self Portrait (detail), Hohenfels Displaced Persons Camp, Germany, oil on canvas on composition board, 45.0 x 35.0cm. Estate of the artist; photograph: Graeme Hastwell

Young Wlad joined the Polish Resistance, helping Jews to escape and risking his life in other ways. On August 24, 1944, now 26, he was captured by the Nazis and transported to Auschwitz where he stayed for a short time. Then Dutkiewicz was sent to a German labour camp, but was eventually relocated to Reisen Gebirgen, escaping only when he heard of Hitler’s death. After walking and hitching to Prague he was given papers by the Resistance, enabling his safe passage thereafter.

Adam Dutkiewicz, a visual arts writer and critic, has displayed the artworks in roughly chronological order. The exhibition begins with Wlad’s only self-portrait, painted in 1945 when he was interned in a displaced persons camp in Allied Germany. While it’s a sombre work, imbued with tough white-knuckle poetry, there’s no hint of self-pity.

1949: migration to Australia

August 24 was to become a red-letter day in Wlad’s life. In 1949, on August 24, precisely five years after his escape from the German POW camp, Wlad arrived in Western Australia as a refugee.

Ironically, on moving to Adelaide, Wlad first found employment as a painter – of sorts. The task was to repaint Adelaide Railway Station, bedecked at that time with Art Deco livery. The paint selected for its platforms, roofs and pillars was vivid blue. Later Wlad was to refer to this as his “blue period” – jocularly referencing Picasso’s nomenclature for his earliest group of artworks.

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz (right) and Brian Claridge, 1959, performing in Jean Jacques Bernard’s The Unquiet Spirit at University of Adelaide. Ian Davidson, State Library of South Australia.

In 1951, Wlad held his first exhibition in Adelaide. As part of a larger and celebrated group of displaced Eastern European artists, including his brother Ludwik, brothers Dusan and Voitre Marek, Ieva Pocius, Stanislaus Rapotec and Alex Sadlo, and with Stanislaw Ostoja-Kotkowski joining them later, Wlad’s status grew.

Like the Cubists, they formed an artistic movement. The Adelaide Art Gallery director, Daniel Thomas, termed this émigré group “Slavic Space Age” artists – and into orbit they went.

In 1953, Wlad married Joan Watson, an Adelaide woman. They had five children in rapid succession: Michal, Adam, Ursula (an artist now based in Melbourne), Anna and Cecilia.

Reception in the art world

It’s possible to interpret these works in various ways. Thematically, by comparison with the works of many other post-WW2 European artists, one thing clearly stands out – what Wlad’s paintings aren’t about. Dutkiewicz’s artworks are not permeated with violence, despair or obvious post-war angst, except obliquely. His intention seemed to be to build a new life in a new country.

By the same token, when Dutkiewicz arrived in Australia, he brought with him a more artistically sophisticated, European–based sensibility and level of artistic education that exceeded the norm in this country at the time. (Wlad’s knowledge base obviously excluded the complex Aboriginal traditions that had been in place for eons, although he visited several Aboriginal settlements in WA in a quest for greater understanding).

In his magisterial For Stravinsky, it’s apparent that Dutkiewicz maintained his passion for not only the visual arts but also for theatre and music. (He also directed and acted in plays in Adelaide theatres.)

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, 1962, Vibrato, oil on board, 84 x 115cm. Photograph Graeme Hastwell.

Dramatised by his theatrical deployment of colour, form and line, Wlad’s modernist, apparently abstract compositions, including Vibrato and In Orbit, attest to this. While Petrushka’s spiky visual texture has been created with an unusually restricted palette, its geometric, quasi-figural shapes seem constrained by an insuperable spatial or psychological barrier. There’s a sense that these and all of his other artworks are underpinned by a narrative or performative subtext of some kind, but also by the elaborate time/space theory that he’d developed in relation to his art making.

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, 1960, In Orbit, oil on board, 104 x 134.5cm. Photograph: Graeme Hastwell

Akin to the early European response to the deliberate dissonance and flouting of established conventions of tonality in Stravinsky’s musical compositions (one Parisian critic described his Rite of Spring as an “open sewer”), the reception of Dutkiewicz’s works and those of his compatriots divided Australian opinion.

While the staid Adelaide folk of that time did not so openly express their disgust at the chaos and energy that characterised Dutkiewicz’s artworks, the detractors were many. Yet Wlad also had his early champions – notably the writer Max Harris, of Angry Penguins fame (and notoriety), who publicly stated that Dutkiewicz’s artworks were the equal of those of Sidney Nolan and Russell Drysdale.

A number of Dutkiewicz’s works make reference to the Australian environment – for example, his electrifying rendition of the Blue Lake near Mt Gambier.

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, 1972, Blue Lake, oil on composition board, 91.5 x 122cm. Formerly National Collection/ Artbank, photograph courtesy of Artbank.

Wlad also made artworks about people engaging in everyday activities: for example, his Bathers, and Fishing. Other works feature family members, including his loving depiction of his oldest daughter as a young child in the figural work Ursula’s Toy.

There is also a category of work based on social commentary – for instance, his Beatniks, ordinary teenagers mostly reviled by Australians at the time. Perhaps Wlad championed these outlier youths because he himself lived a bohemian life (or as bohemian as a parent with five young kids could be).

Polish Resistance fighter, 'Slavic space age' modernist, legendary Australian artist Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz, Beatniks, 1967, felt pen and coloured inks on paper, 29.5 x 49cm. Photograph Graeme Hastwell.

And finally there’s Wlad’s sheer technical skill as an artist. Every one of his artworks is finely wrought, highly disciplined and technically perfect.

Wlad Dutkiewicz needs to be remembered as a pivotal figure in Australian art history, making this a truly significant exhibition. It is hoped that it will contribute to expanding the cultural memory and the Australian national imaginary.

Wladyslaw Dutkiewicz: 100th anniversary exhibition is at the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery until June 10, 2018.

The author would like to acknowledge Adam Dutkiewicz and Melinda Rankin, curator and CEO of the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, for assistance with this article. This exhibition is part of South Australia’s History Month.

Authors: Christine Judith Nicholls, Senior Lecturer in Australian Studies, Flinders University

Read more http://theconversation.com/wlads-worlds-polish-resistance-fighter-slavic-space-age-modernist-legendary-australian-artist-96192

Health Heroes: 5 Unique Careers in Health and Wellness

When we think of health and wellness careers, the first roles that often come to mind are doctors and nurses. However, the world of healthcare is fa...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attent...

Managed IT Services for Australian Retailers

Australian retailers are constantly being compelled to deliver flawless customer experiences with tight security measures. Managed IT services, or M...

What to Consider When Looking for Family Lawyers in Brisbane

Family law issues can be deeply personal and emotionally charged, making it important to choose the right family lawyers in Brisbane. Whether you're...

Construction and Surveying: The Foundation of Modern Infrastructure

Precision and accuracy are the name of the game in construction. Construction and surveying are crucial disciplines that most public members remain ...

Why the Demand for Tutors is Growing Across Australia

As the academic stakes rise each year, students across Australia are increasingly turning to tutors to maximise their chances of success. But why the ...

House Movers in Perth: Tips for a Successful Relocation

Moving houses can be exciting, but it can also be an overwhelming process. The mere anticipation of packing up your life and transporting it somewhe...

Why Rental Property Inspections Are Important for Tenants and Landlords

Regular property inspection is one of the key components of a smooth rental experience, benefitting both the tenant and the landlord.  Experts sugge...

Beer Label Design for New Breweries: Where to Start in 2025

Imagine a customer picking up your beer based purely on its striking label. In a crowded market full of craft brews and new brands, first impression...

Functional and Fashionable: The Rise of Ladies Workwear in Australia

A perfect change in the Australian workforce has been happening in recent days. Women are contributing a lot in the male-dominated workplaces. They ...

Concrete Trailer Pump for Sale: Your Ultimate Solution for Efficient Concrete Placement

In construction projects where efficiency, precision, and flexibility are paramount, concrete trailer pumps for sale stand out as an essential piece...

Exploring Different Types of Solar Panels: Monocrystalline, Polycrystalline, and Thin-Film

The demand for solar energy continues to grow as more Australians embrace sustainable energy solutions. A crucial step in transitioning to solar pow...

Common Mistakes in Food and Wine Pairing (And How to Avoid Them)

Pairing food and wine is often considered an art, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. The right pairing can elevate a dining experience, while...

Wine Tasting 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Smelling, Swirling, and Sipping

Wine tasting is an art form that can seem daunting to beginners, but with a little knowledge and a lot of enthusiasm, anyone can master the basics. ...

How to Fix a Clogged Shower Drain: Tips for Homeowners

A clogged shower drain is a common household issue that can be both frustrating and inconvenient. Over time, hair, soap scum, and other debris can a...

Top Trends in Electric Recliner Sofas for 2024

Electric recliner sofas have taken center level in the world of furniture layout, combining consolation, comfort, and superior generation. As we pas...

Setting Up the Perfect Home Studio for Drummers

Creating the perfect home studio for drumming is a fulfilling project that goes beyond just having a space to practice. A well-designed studio can a...

Essential Guide to Surveying Services for Land and Construction

Surveying is indispensable in all land development, real estate transactions, and construction. The core of surveys, including metric geodetic and pre...