Wojtek Siudmak

Wojtek Siudmak at the Galerie Roi Doré, 2012. © Martha Kohler

Wojtek Siudmak is a Polish painter and sculptor, living and working in France. He was born in 1942 in Wielun, Poland. He is considered to be one of the principal representatives of Fantastic Realism. He studied at the High School of Fine Arts in Warsaw from 1956 to 1961 and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw from 1961 to 1966. In September 1966, he arrived in France to continue his studies at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris (1967-1968).

He is known for his spectacular, fantastic paintings, often used as illustrations for science fiction and fantasy literature, including the Polish and French editions of Frank Herbert’s “Dune” series. He also creates poster (e.g. for the Cannes Festival 1975 and 1976) and album covers, including the award-winning cover for Eloy’s 1977 album “Ocean”.

He is also the author of the Universal Project for Peace “Eternal love”, born out of his experience of World War II which started in his home city, Wielun.

He presented his work at many exhibitions around the world. He was also awarded various prizes and decorations, e.g. a title of the Citizen of Honour of the town of Wielun and the National Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.