Thresher

The individuality of Władysław Skoczylas' work results from a skilful combination of experiences connected with work in various materials. He studied painting and sculpture but is best known for his woodcuts. The silhouettes in his paintings show modernistic explorations in sculpture, while his watercolours are painted in a manner unusual for this technique. These and similar treatments make works such as Młocarnia [The Threshing House] from 1927 acquire an original character since there are simultaneous references to old masters and primitive art and Podhale glass painting. Skoczylas was fascinated by the legend of Skalne Podhale and folk engravings, which was typical of Young Poland, from which he derived his poetics. Among the activities confirming such interests was his collaboration with the Formists in 1917, who sought to create a modern national style. Młociarnia is another painting in which the painter shows women at work. There is no man in it, which is not insignificant. The women are depicted very schematically. These are simplified forms indicative of the folk tradition. A certain schematism of activities, which is supposed to visualise their cyclical nature, is stressed. It is the essence of work, which provides not only material existence but also gives existential meaning. The sublimity of the representation is emphasised by stylistic references to great masters, including the role of colours and the way they are combined. Chiaroscuro, like in the central scene, plays an important role. The artist is far from attempting to reflect reality realistically but much closer to minimising the means of expression characteristic of German expressionism.

Beata Małgorzata Wolska