Composition

From 1952 to 1958 Jan Berdyszak studied at the State Higher School of Fine Arts in Poznań, in the sculpture studio of Prof. Bazyli Wojtowicz. At the same time he studied painting individually. From 1965 he was a teacher at his alma mater, where he obtained the title of professor. He then lectured at the Institute of Culture and Art in Zielona Góra and at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava. His exhibition debut took place in 1960 at the OdNowa Club in Poznań, where he presented prints. The artist worked in cycles, which include, among others: Double Circles (1962-71), Transparent (1970-79), Photographic Reinstallations (1970-2014), Frames of the East (1972), Silence (1972-75), Reserved Places (1973-76), States of Morality (1985-87), Beams (1977-98), Concentrating Areas (1973-80), Studies after… (1979-83), Neither Necessity nor Possibility (1987-99), Passe-par-tout (1990-2014), Remains of Remains (2000-2014), Après passe-par-tout (2003-2007). In 1978 he received the Jan Cybis Award. Ten years later he was decorated with the Knight's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, and in 2001 with the Officer's Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta. In 1999 he was awarded the title of Doctor honoris causa of the Academy of Fine Arts in Bratislava, and in 2004 the Award of the Minister of Culture and Art for his lifetime achievement. In 2008 he received the gold Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture.