Who are you then?
Hi, my name’s Adam and I’m a freelance writer and translator. Translating Marek is all about my translation of my father’s autobiography. I’m gradually translating the whole thing and will selectively share the occasional snippet, along with other information about his work and exhibitions, as well as the odd interview.
Marek who?
Marek Zulawski was a Polish artist who moved to London in 1937 and lived there until his death in 1985. Originally written as a trilogy, his book Study for a Self-Portrait charts his experiences during this period: the vanguard art scenes in London, war-ravaged Poland, trips around Europe, his powerful and striking art, his work as a journalist for the BBC, and his rather *ahem* interesting personal life.
Why bother?
Other than being a good read for those interested in the London art scene or the life of Polish immigrants, I created Translating Marek as a way of preserving and promoting Marek’s work in the English-speaking world. Although he lived in the UK for nearly half a century and displayed work in well-known galleries, Marek is little remembered there and oddly enjoys better status in Poland. Hopefully this site can redress the balance a bit and provide information for any English speakers who may come across his artwork.
In any case, it’s also a great way for me to flex my translation and writing skills.
I’m Polish, so all this English stuff is moot to me.
If you’re actually Polish, then just head to this excellent Marek Zulawski website from the Museum of the University of Torun. You’ll find a comprehensive biography in Polish there and lots of photos of Marek’s paintings, drawings, and even statues.
If you’d like to track down a Polish copy of Marek’s autobiography, the full trilogy was available from Torun-based publisher Oficyna Wydawnicza Kucharski but is now out of print. Try Allegro.pl!