Jan Tarasin

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Jan Tarasin (1928–2009)

Painter, graphic artist, draftsman, representative of Polish modernism.

Technique: Tarasin created paintings with distinctive composition, often using geometric forms and contrasting color combinations. His works are characterized by precise drawing and balanced composition. He is considered a representative of the trend moving toward abstraction, but he never completely broke ties with representational art.
Breakthrough: His work responded to dominant artistic trends of the time, proposing a new aesthetic based on harmony and order.
Artistic life: Tarasin studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, later taught at the Faculty of Interior Architecture at Krakow’s Academy, and then continued working at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts, where he became rector. His works were shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions at home and abroad.
Trivia: In 1976, he was honored with the Cyprian Kamil Norwid Critic’s Award for the best painting exhibition, and in 1984 he received the Jan Cybis Award for lifetime achievement.
For today: His work is an important reference point in discussions about harmony and order in art, offering inspiration for artists seeking balance and precision in their work.

Biography

Jan Tarasin was a Polish painter, graphic artist, draftsman, photographer, essayist, and pedagogue, known for his avant-garde works and theoretical reflections on art. He served as a professor and rector at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. His notable works include series of canvases presenting objects as signs and symbols with metaphysical meanings.

Early Life and Education

Born in Kalisz, Tarasin graduated from Kazimierz Wielki High School in Olkusz in 1946 and studied at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków from 1946 to 1951 under prominent professors in painting and graphics.

Professional and Academic Career

He was a member of the Polish United Workers' Party from 1955. He worked at the Faculty of Interior Architecture and later led the Painting Studio at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. He was appointed extraordinary professor in 1985 and served as rector from 1987 to 1990.

Artistic Contributions

Tarasin initially gained fame with a socially-themed poster 'Bumelant' (1952), but later focused on avant-garde projects emphasizing objects as metaphysical symbols. He practiced painting, graphic techniques including lithography and serigraphy, and poster art.

Awards and Recognition

He received numerous awards including the National Award for a lithograph series 'Dom' (1955), first prize at the Kraków Biennale of Graphics (1960), the Yomiuri Prize at the International Young Artists Exhibition in Tokyo (1964), the Cyprian Norwid Critics Award (1976), the Jan Cybis Prize (1985), the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta (1997), and the Gloria Artis Gold Medal (2005).

Nationality

Polish

Themes

Objects as signs and symbols, abstraction, avant-garde projects

Selected Awards

1955
National Award for Lithograph Series 'Dom'

Awarded at the National Exhibition of Young Art in Warsaw
1960
First Prize at Kraków Biennale of Graphics

Recognized for achievements in graphic arts
1964
Yomiuri Prize at International Exhibition in Tokyo

Award for outstanding young artist at international event
1976
Cyprian Norwid Critics Award

Awarded for best solo exhibition in Warsaw