Leon Tarasewicz (b.1957 Walily) | 5067

Leon Tarasewicz is a distinguished Polish painter of Belarusian descent, an activist for opposition movements in Belarus, and a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Born in 1957 in Walily, he discovered his artistic interests early in life. In his work, Tarasewicz quickly abandoned traditional academic figurativism in favor of abstraction. By the 1980s, his art had taken on a distinctly abstract character, and by the end of that decade, his works were showcased at the prestigious *Aperto '88* exhibition during the Venice Biennale.

Tarasewicz draws inspiration from nature, with his works often referencing flora and fauna. He primarily uses a basic color palette, creating pieces with intense color saturation. In recent years, he has transcended the traditional boundaries of painting, creating works that extend beyond the canvas. His pieces often occupy gallery walls and become part of the architectural space, giving them a monumental quality.

Since the beginning of his career, he has collaborated with the renowned Foksal Gallery in Warsaw, where he debuted in 1984. His works have been exhibited in prestigious museums and galleries both in Poland and internationally, earning him widespread recognition. Leon Tarasewicz has been honored with numerous awards, including the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture *Gloria Artis*, the Jan Cybis Award (1988), and the *Polityka* Passport (2000). He is considered one of Poland's most original contemporary painters, and his work continues to inspire many artists and art lovers alike.