Opening of an exhibition of paintings by Franciszek Frączek / Słońcesław from Żołyń MAN / CITY / NATURE

The ‘Gardzienice’ Gallery
cordially invites you
to the opening of an exhibition of paintings
by Franciszek Frączek / Słońcesław from Żołyń
MAN / CITY / NATURE

Opening: 29 January 2026, 6 p.m.
‘Gardzienice’ Gallery, ul. Grodzka 5a in Lublin

Exhibition curator: Zuzanna Zubek-Gańska
Lighting design: Włodzimierz Janowski

Franciszek Frączek (1908–2006), known by his nom de plume Słońcesław (The Sun’s Glory) from Żołyń, was an outstanding painter and draughtsman whose work is part of the history of the Szukalszczycy artistic movement. He was born in 1908 and began his artistic education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, studying in the studios of Władysław Jarocki and Xawery Dunikowski. There he acquired a solid foundation in painting, drawing, as well as sculpture and spatial design.
Frączek sent his works to Szczep exhibitions, although he was reluctant to participate in the association’s meetings. His work is characterised by precision of drawing and skillful use of colour in oil painting. He mainly created pencil and ink drawings, in which he revealed his individual style, sensitivity to proportions, composition and details. At the same time, he also carried out oil painting works.

After World War II, Frączek actively participated in the cultural life of his region, continuing his artistic and educational activities. In 1962, he became a member of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers in Rzeszów, which allowed him to maintain contact with the local creative community and develop his painting and drawing skills. His oeuvre includes both autonomous works and functional and decorative pieces. His work shows the influence of his experiences at the Academy in Kraków and inspiration from the ideas, aesthetics and symbolism of the Szukalszczycy.

Frączek’s works are distinguished by their sense of modelling, subtle use of light and harmonious composition. His artistic output, covering both the pre-war and post-war periods, is a testament to his long artistic career and contribution to local art history, as well as to the broader context of Polish modernism and the Rogate Serce (Horned Heart) art group.

Author of the biography: Łukasz Wiącek