Leszek Sokół was born in 10 of December 1955 in Warsaw. In 1983 he graduated from the Warsaw Academy of  Fine Arts,  Interior Design Department.  After his studies, for a short time he was occupied with graphic art. Since mid 80’s, being fascinated with the Dutch painting of the 17th century, he devoted himself to the subject of still life. Referring to the techniques and the atmosphere of old masters, he managed to create his own, recognizable style. At the beginning of the 90’s he became interested in the Italian painting of the early Renaissance, which was an inspiration for him to search for his further artistic way.

Still developing his workshop, in which it is the color that plays the main role, he obtained an unusual atmosphere, which is instantly recognizable. Wishing to classify somehow his style of painting, the most apt expression would be – metaphysical realism.

His works were put on numerous exhibitions in Poland and abroad. In 2005 he was given a scholarship from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

Since 2005 represented exclusively worldwide by Belvedere Gallery Inc.

INDIVIDUAL EXIBITIONS:

1985- Warsaw, the „ Pl. Zamkowy” Art gallery  
1987- Warsaw, the „ Pl. Zamkowy” Art gallery”
1994- Germany, Deidesheim – Stadthalle
1995- Germany, Landau – Arzheim
1996- Warsaw, the „ Pl. Zamkowy” Art gallery  ”
1997- Warsaw, the „ Pl. Zamkowy” Art gallery”
1997- Germany, Hamburg
1998- Germany, Deidesheim, „Deidesheim Art Galleries”
2006- Germany, Deidesheim, „ Werkstatt Galerie Deidesheim”

GROUP EXIBITIONS.

2000- Japan, Kobe
2001- France, Clermant - Ferrand
2001- Japan, Kobe, Tokio
2002- Japan, Kobe
2003/2004- Italy, Katania
2004- Italy, Bronte
2004- Japan, Kobe, Tokyo
2004- Warsaw, the "BP" Art Gallery
2005/2006 the "Blizniemu swemu..." Foundation
                    Warszawa - " Zacheta"
                    Poznan - "Arsenal"
                    Katowice - BWA
                    Krakow - "Palac Sztuki"
                    Wroclaw - the Town Museum of Wroclaw
                    Rzeszow - BWA
2007 - Cincinnati, Ohio Miller Gallery
 

FESTIVAL DES STILLEBENS
Die Rheinpfalz 1995

…invisible light makes the dark reddish and greenish background, against which some chosen by him objects are presented, pulsate slightly. The coming diffused light partly reflects off the polished surface of the massive cups and goblets, or as if a delicate ray permeates the whole composition…

LICHT UND SCHATTEN
Die Rheinpfalz 1998

…an reflection of the atmosphere of contemplation, the working of the light and shade, care, as well as randomness of the whole set, these are, first and foremost, the still life of this artist. Dark red, subdued green or deep blue and brown colors are in contrast with light sub tones, set on the objects by an invisible source of light. A perfect technique of painting with a paintbrush and full of nuances set of colors makes the objects almost tangible.

WIE DIE ALTEN MEISTER
Die Rheinpfalz 1998

…the artist paints the objects according with the nature, but without the mannerism, transferring calmness and the joy of communing with the beauty of an object.

THE PAINTINGS OF LESZEK SOKÓŁ
Andrzej Szewczyk, the “Pl.Zamkowy” Art Gallery 1999

…Sokół does not copy works of art from the past – he composes them and as if creates them from scratch, entering the world of old, beautiful objects-glasses, cutlery, fruit, or drapery – conveying them faithfully and precisely, thanks to his sensitivity and mastership of his own painting workshop.

the fragments of reviews about still life

THE  MAGI OF ATMOSPHERE


An article from TOP CLASS 2005 

…The world hidden in the paintings of Sokół is dreamy creatures, floating above misty, atmospheric landscapes, seemingly realistic, but full of magic and mystery, being an reflection of his dreams. This is also memories about the objects from his childhood, hidden dreams, the returns to old careless years, his first emotions and adolescent desires.
Mysterious, not verbose in their plot, colouristically tasteful, they do not have high journalistic ambitions, they simply make us happy and calm. Although nostalgia is the word which is most often associated with this artist, this nostalgia is nice, happy and joyful. When asked about the origin of his artistic work he answers: “Each of us dreamt at some point about the magic gardens. I would like my works to become a bridge between these dreams and the here-and-now world, dreams which, though often hidden from others, are deep inside us, and the world in which we always wait for something or run after something. Let us not be ashamed of emotions, though we are already adults, we still do like to be hugged”.