The Nightmare Artist

Zdzislaw Beksinski was a Polish horror painter that reacted to the horrors of war that he saw around him, and today we are going to take a look at his career. Thanks for watching!
For more films about Beksinski please visit Andy Teszner channel: / @andyteszner
Music by Sturqen
You can find more information about their work at:
www.sturqen.com/
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Email: inpraiseofshadows1:gmail.com
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[@bombercountyblues]

When someone paints the world as a very dark place, and is then stabbed to death over $100.. I think it kinda proves his point.

[@axemansjazz6670]

Yeah. Yeah, you definitely have a point there. Sheesh...crazy world we live in.

[@ricecooker7037]

That’s why you should just not care and screw around all you want bud, who’s stopping you?

[@christopherg1288]

😂

[@arcang2102]

Just a bright objective,yet dark dim subjective viewed reflection of ones own delusional uncivil environment!Capturing the darkest surrealistic of historical nightmares, inside the enigmatic mysterious elements of time.Only to unravel the real true to life contents of ones own fate!

[@arcang2102]

The darkest of art reveals the brightest of truths.The brightest of art,exposes the darkest reality.(That is seen through the trained eye)Rememeber,you seen it here first!

[@UltraBlood]

"Meaning is meaningless to me". Homie just wanted to draw some cool shit lmao. Respect.

[@Qwerty-wk3jy]

Respect+

[@kizu6669]

So much this, it was one of the main reasons why I chose to, last minute, not go to an art academy. Someone had made an abstract painting, nothing special visually. But, the student had created a whole bookwork, explaining every single dot as a whole in the narrative. They had to create a picture of a cup and add meaning to everything. I hated it so much. I am not a writer, I don't want to make proze, with the visual depiction as support to the story. It's fine if things are done with an intent, if you add another layer, but it shouldn't be the other way around. It's so forced.

[@remyhavoc4463]

@@kizu6669 I mean at the end of the day, it's still subjective. If you don't like it, it's fine but that doesn't mean that it's worthless or is inferior to a certain style

[@elio4444]

@@kizu6669 I have also thought about that alot, totally agree

[@kizu6669]

@@remyhavoc4463 it's subjective in the real world, however in a school environment, it's required and it will lead to worse grades if you don't apply it.

[@Molech996]

This is the kind of content you should be making.But instead,you chose to show your intolerance and the weird shit that goes through your mind.

[@SaladDongs]

He lived through WW2, had his town massacred, painted and photographed somber works of art until his death, had his work critiqued and constantly assigned meaning and value despite his wishes, witnessed the death of his wife, the suicide of his son, then stabbed to death over some money. Years later, in death, his art is celebrated, but his family thought of as cursed. What a shit world.

[@CATDHD]

True

[@mellanierosa_777]

sadly happens to many amazing artist

[@ThundererR64T]

are you sure about the information if witnessing his wife's death and his son's suicide? because i'm doing a presentation on him and would love to put this information if its true, if it is i would love some source

[@SaladDongs]

@@ThundererR64T in truth there is no reliable source of the circumstances. But they were his only family. I find it very hard to imagine that he was not there to see his son and wife when they passed away. His son himself was anti-social from what I have read, and known to be suicidal, so I assume he was found by Beksinski Sr. But again, this is only conjecture, speculation; not backed up by solid evidence. I quickly googled to check for facts, but his life is not super well documented as you can imagine for someone like him. Feel free to do the same but don't expect an encyclopedia. Good luck

[@giorgospapoutsakis5271]

Did his son really end up that way? Didn't he survived a plane crash but died a decade later due to cocaine addiction?

[@liquidrope7063]

I wish this guy did painting segments like bob ross on air "now, a screaming tortured soul made of rotting flesh and other various distorted body parts needs a friend, so we'll stick a tree right next to that guy"

[@finnsaffelsipes]

GOLD HAHA

[@ftown]

Good one !

[@deadgentleman7732]

Actually he did record himself painting a lot of his work and also let others film him in while he was working. Some of these are on YT and even with english subtitles ;)

[@hellokittied]

_”beat the devil out of it.”_

[@hauntedhose]

And a nice little corpse in pthalo blue 🦆

[@tundranone8366]

Beksinski: photography limits my imagination. Me looking at his paintings: yeah, he wasn't kidding.

[@leoariez2568]

Haha

[@StoneColdFox17]

His early paintings were amazing, better than his photographs

[@leandrocasas90]

Couldn't deal with Notredame not being made entirely out of rotting flesh

[@Sci-Fi_Freak_YT]

I love his work a lot, he inspires my works of art and literary fiction. The other person who inspires me is Zack Snyder but more in his use of cinematic language and detailed storytelling.

[@JamietheEmperor]

ok

[@Player-10]

My Dad has a doctorate in art history and teaches all of the art history courses at my university. I showed him this video, he'd never heard of Beksiński before, and has included him in his lectures since; just yesterday he told me he's planning on showing your video in class! Thanks for the excellent educational content!

[@BestWaifus]

did he showed it ?

[@Player-10]

@@BestWaifus I assume so. I've already taken that class, but he did add some of his work to a class I took last semester

[@alligatoralligator.]

I think a video from Solar Sands would be interesting to share as well, he has a few very good art videos

[@frepjep1032]

he sounds like a bad teacher, the second half of this video is stupid

[@IcyBrown]

Awesome!

[@Astartes-6969]

Dude how did you go from making a masterpiece like this to trying to do a Witchhunt on the most wholesome man on KZbin? And not only that but not even do your research of the others mentioned in THAT video. I'm really disappointed in you bro. You had the SAUCE back then. Go to Therapy, take some Ayahuasca and strip the Ego from the bottom. And if your so worried about Money, stop denying Sponsorships. As a former fan of your work, I am truly disappointed in you.

[@russellmoore8187]

“This looks cool as shit” is enough meaning for me

[@solarprncss]

"what do you think this painting symbolizes?" i don't know, but it looks sick as hell

[@ryangreen6255]

Robert Frost had a similar problem with his poetry.

[@oweb7754]

fucking boring way of looking at art imo

[@bvo..]

Superficial

[@apocalypticblox2346]

@@oweb7754 I like a mix. Don’t get me wrong, I love my everywhere at the end of time, but sometimes I just wanna look at some cool crap.

[@InVinoVeratas]

He survives WWII, makes it as an artists and turns the art world on its head; only to end up Stabbed to death over 100 dollars... Life is a kick in the ass sometimes.

[@Flourikum]

yeah it only gets worse when you look into his family being cursed.

[@mambaramba]

He made it as an artist in communist Poland

[@prakash-fn6cx]

human life is weird..

[@gregoryabukar-duru8087]

That's Life!

[@sebastienpasnin9826]

@jack bob yup totally the world im living in

[@void-1691]

His Art philosophy is perfect. He paints what he paints without a meaning or purpose and therefore what he paints is a complete extension of himself undiluted and unfiltered by not trying to purposefully strike an emotion or send a message.

[@arx3516]

There is a meaning in his art. It's emotions and feelings that can't be expressed with words.

[@void-1691]

@@arx3516 I meant he wasn't PURPOSEFULLY trying to strike an emotion or create a meaning. His art is his expression of emotions, an extension of himself.

[@Downecker]

Art expression at another level! You can compare this to improvisation in comedy. No script, just telling funny stories without restrictions. The more you think the less you express.

[@void-1691]

@@Downecker Exactly!

[@emila9899]

I visited his art exhibition last year, the whole room was black, only Beksiński's huge paintings were illuminated. Absolutely amazing experience, I love his art

[@darkalice650]

Greets from Nowa Huta, Krakow)

[@Sonjek]

Where did you go to see it? I would love to know! :D

[@emila9899]

@@Sonjek Hi, in Warsaw! c:

[@Sonjek]

thank you!@@emila9899

[@storm1995]

To me having his art nameless has a lot more impact compared to if it did have a name

[@user-qq1ju1xi2e]

World without recognition for your work seems pointless now doesn’t it.

[@storm1995]

@@user-qq1ju1xi2e tbf I could say everything is pointless

[@storm1995]

what I commented was kind of dumb I meant to say the level of artistic imagination and wow factor an art piece has is what brings recognition not a name

[@zoey__m]

I see what you're trying to say here. I mean, how many people can recognise a Dalí painting, or have actually read Oscar Wilde? Almost everyone would call them great artists though.

[@vali4real]

That's why I am Nameless myself...

[@bonkybonk_ow2793]

imagine stabbing someone 17 times to death and going to prison just for an argument about 100$.

[@ianfinrir8724]

People have been shot over a pair of shoes

[@angrypepe7615]

@@ianfinrir8724 There's been at least one person who's been shot over a chicken sandwich

[@treeetres9002]

@@angrypepe7615 see now I actually understand that one

[@bushi2831]

That guy wanted 10k zł which was around 3,5k $.

[@devanblake2242]

Dont forget about the kid who killed his older brother for beating his high score in floppy bird

[@hayyopeople]

I love this he was literally like “damn I’ve fully expressed myself in this art form… I’m simply going to learn a new art form” *paints* “yeah this looks pretty dope ngl.” LMAO like man just wanted to make art he didn’t give a shit about anything else- just makin creepy ass yet very interesting art for shits and giggles essentially LMAO

[@doyouevendab77]

It was therapy for him.

[@chopper9778]

Its a shame that the creator of this video turned out to be such a snobbish envious liar.

[@PlaceHolder16]

A shame

[@koos1168]

I was about to say the same thing

[@just_a_turtle_chad]

Cope

[@CryptoMynd]

Imagine playing a game like Skyrim, but in a world designed by Zdzislaw Beksinski.

[@erreorion9341]

I think the game "Scorn" (not yet released) is close to the world of Beksinski (and Cronenberg's movies). Edit: Yes, also H.R. Giger

[@Farengast]

I think that game is called Bloodborne

[@kepler1175]

@@Farengast was going to say elden ring coming soon but yeah

[@AllFascistsCanSuckIt]

Uh, how 'bout just regular ol' Dark Souls (or Demon Souls)? I think Beksinski's shit definitely qualifies as some inspiration for that series.

[@nunyanunya6398]

Or being raised in that world

[@projectimperiumnoctis6098]

It is more captivating to know that his wife and his wife's mother died young. His son committed suicide and he was later stabbed to death. That is why in Poland his family has been known as cursed.

[@Lord.Sinclair]

His wife died as an old person. Son was a well-known radio presenter and translator. Known as cursed - really ???

[@pytlikklara]

@@Lord.Sinclair his wife died in 1998 and his son committed suicide just a year later, on the Christmas eve of 1999. And Beksiński was, indeed, stabbed to death in 2005. He was stabbed 17 times, two of the stab wounds were fatal. I don't know about the "cursed" part, but this series of misfortunate events is rather tragic.

[@Lord.Sinclair]

@@pytlikklara His wife died in age of 70 years and his son comit suicide in age of 41 years old. He was a very known person. He nad always personality problems so he had agreement with his father : he doesn't comit a suicide untill his mother die ...

[@prakash-fn6cx]

oh my god that is so sad

[@notu1529]

@@pytlikklara i was born on 25th dec 1999 . guess im his son reincarnate

[@Ziltro_Junior]

This essay is still a gem even with the recent events with wendigoon.

[@kriegenjoyer6913]

he's a very good writer but a dumb talker

[@sarahelisabeth247]

11:59 it’s kind of sad and endearing in a way that (in this work especially), he is trying so hard to put so much serious emotion and thought into his digital art. he really feels and loves it. but now in the 2020s it looks like something someone would make for a meme…i honestly laughed when i saw it😬 it’s just so interesting to see the minds of artists who were so new to digital art and how they used it

[@tortis6342]

I had the exact same thought process. I couldn't help but wonder what that idea might look like if he had painted it instead. Would I still be laughing?

[@generaltheory]

They're great. He articulated why they're like this well. They transcend. They blend with time & tech aesthetics of the time. This was the space, and he's made it a lasting language through these constructions of whole realities.

[@mackhomie6]

that one was particularly bad. I wonder if the guy was some acquaintance of his or something

[@Li_Tobler]

Omg I'm crying-laughing now, I can totally see it as a meme

[@mellanierosa_777]

bro I laugh too hahahahha

[@society5767]

"Notre Dame is made of flesh" is such a dread inducing sentence holy shit

[@Ten_Thousand_Locusts]

No it's not

[@society5767]

@@Ten_Thousand_Locusts ok but... who asked?

[@kirwai8691]

Its metal af

[@Dan_Kanerva]

@@society5767 why the f do people ask that question ? "oK bUt wh0 aSkeD duuuud?" If you gave your opinion when nobody asked for it , others can as well

[@thecoconutgum]

@@society5767 Who asked for your comment 👀

[@W0lfgan9]

If the phrase “I don’t know what I’m looking at but I like it” was a person

[@gamistry2947]

@BlazeTrail 1269 no pls don't

[@shakthiganesh5117]

@BlazeTrail 1269 Are they fucking?

[@ChuuMoon777]

@BlazeTrail 1269 NOO

[@crishollero959]

@@ChuuMoon777 agree

[@veryverybisexual4963]

@@shakthiganesh5117 they probably are

[@wittycommentator]

"If I had something to say, I would write it down or say it" is such a based take

[@3DCommando]

You had a great KZbin run bro, but your ego got the best of you and you became a KZbin villain

[@KunjaBihariKrishna]

The best thing that can happen to you as a writer or artist is upsetting a famous critic to the point that they publicly condemn you.

[@lanwyacaere9274]

As Salvador Dali have said: Critics are complete idiots

[@artzerial]

That's actually fun picking a thing with the famous ones to prove that their ways are getting wrong as time passes. "The best pieces are at times the worst pieces" -Syzerial(lol)

[@user-mh6ju3pg8c]

Critisism is always good

[@dav786]

Critics are useless. Everyone makes their own opinion and views art pieces subjectively(common art enjoyers). Everyone has their own history, traumas, emotions... they percieve art their own way

[@dj6208]

Hey that happened to Ozzy

[@donotreadthis26]

Artist: Meaning is meaningless to me. I do not like symbolism. Art teachers: *confused screaming

[@melvinmerkelhopper5752]

Literature teachers would also count.

[@shikiaura]

"WHAT DOES THE COLOR BLUE MEAN IF NOT SUICIDAL THOUGHTS?! WHAT ARE THE CURTAINS?!"

[@melvinmerkelhopper5752]

@@shikiaura Ha! That is hilarious.

[@SOBEKCrocodileGod]

Art professors be like “I had a different interpretation, so you’re getting a D”

[@shikiaura]

@@SOBEKCrocodileGod I thought this comment thread was supposed to be a joke, not triggering PTSD from highschool

[@yinyangedits5846]

Beksinski is definitely one of my favorite painters of all time. Imagine being able to just create these images, and express it successfully

[@DarkThroat]

>makes a bunch of nameless oil paintings >refuses to elaborate any further >leaves Absolute Chad

[@Ollie_the_Possum]

One of the best Chad's In his time

[@JamietheEmperor]

Ok

[@namename2297]

Sigma

[@Ottmar555]

>makes a bunch of nameless oil paintings >refuses to elaborate any further >gets stabbed to death

[@seczajkowski]

Everyone assumes that it needs a meaning but maybe he just saw imagines in his head and painted them. It can just be a hobby. Doesnt need a back story.

[@Pensive_Scarlet]

A critic claiming that a photograph is anti-photography? That is like saying a certain sort of tree is not a tree because it doesn't look enough like all the other trees you have seen. Depressingly superficial.

[@spimpsmacker6422]

Well photography is meant to display reality, obviously Beksinski was not so found of portraying a reality. So consider photography to be a tree, and Bekinski's work to be something that looks like a tree but warped through multiple dimensions and hell like realms.

[@heartsthekitteh6239]

I think at that time photography had already been re-established to protray reality as accurately as possible, so many people thought of that as its purpose. Going out of one's way to make photographs look unreal and unclear was anti-photography to the mainstream.

[@Dm3qXY]

not really, by calling it that the intent is not to exclude it from the category of photography, but to make a simple indication of that art form positioning in its existing context; like we use to say about anti-jokes; they are still jokes and makes us laugh (or maybe just triggering a short "ha" or a mild exhale through our nose) through the absurdly "normal", some time way too relatable, sometimes even sad, substitute of a punch line.

[@rathsaugen161]

yeah they're emotional facists ho claim they are better and also conservative

[@ishkadon-ell4927]

That's what people do

[@JacF6734]

This video about Zdzisław Beksiński sure is cool, I hope the creator doesn't get political brainrot and try to cancel another KZbinr for being white and Christian or something

[@suzzanferguson9218]

this was a video that made me like your channel its a shame you had to screw that up keep your political views to yourself

[@kxl4cy]

the fact that he could paint an image so vivid and surreal without having a story for any of them is truly remarkable

[@michaelak6753]

i think the story is quite obvious for a lot of them and so doesnt need an explenation... he saw atrocities of WW2 and the aftermath and this is the result.. ive seen photos of vitims, as well as survivors of concentration camps from my grandma and they look extremely alike to his paintings.. something he also probably doesnt want to think about too much.. he is also a horny traumatised person lol

[@viablos455]

@@michaelak6753 I agree with this person. The backstory In Praise of Shadows gave about him can define a link of meaning to his works. A lot of the depiction of the works are of emanciated bodies, of war and vets, of religion, of death and decay, of violence and of shock. The color scheme he oftens uses seem to be of warmer colors, something that can be tied back to colors of bombings or explosions and fire. These themes can be pulled back to WW2, as well as other incidences during these times, and could have been a source of, as dryly put it, inspiration. Or his interpretation. He could have stated that there's no meaning to his artwork for clout. He could have stated there is no meaning as he did want to have to explain his work. He could have stated there is no meaning because the meaning is already apparent. There's loads of possibilities as to why he says that, but I bet it is a mixture of everything as to why. I would not be surprised, though, if he did it solely for clout. I personally think everything is inheriently meaningless, from which then some things become meaningful after some significant key of importance, be it influential, historical, or any other kind. Some of his works, I'd argue, are completely meaningless. But these set of specific paintings? I'd say there is definitely some kind of meaning.

[@joev6049]

The stories are his experiences and world views being mixed and randomly generated by his hand onto the canvas. There was no need for him to name them or explain them, because he knew what they were without being conscious of it.

[@TheVoiceOfChaos]

have you ever drawn a million strait lines?

[@michaw.2168]

@@joev6049 we tend to forget that the battlefields of ww2 were enormous and that there wasn't enough man power to clean up after the soldiers were killed. That meant after thief's, and sometimes family members the dead would rot. Thousands of people rotting away the smell alone could drive some light minded people insane. Animals feasting on the dead in stalingrad to this day you can find a layer of dead beetles underneath the topsoil that was cast onto the battlefields months sometimes years later. Our mind can't comprehend the horror and I think it's a shame that this particular page of warfare is forgotten about.

[@catbag1180]

"He didn't like people to interpret his art" *interprets art*

[@manik-panik8810]

Frfr

[@GippyHappy]

Well I think there's a difference between saying what the various symbols may be representing and trying to give a specific meaning to the painting as a whole. It's more talking about the themes than a definite meaning. Like what he said about the blue paint, that gave me a whole deeper appreciation for the work. But if he just said "this painting means nazis are bad" that wouldn't really add anything.

[@szwajda]

When he went from blue color in paintings to prussian blue i had to stop watching.

[@austindrakodeine7465]

@@szwajda why?

[@kriss3401]

Eeehhh Sometimes you don't know why you do things It's not interpreting his art, it's trying to understand his mind

[@mapelianbutton4954]

Mad respect for these artists. I drew a crappy spider doodle and was spooked by it then never drew it again.

[@angel_of_rust]

note to self never eat the breadpill

[@jemiu9525]

blue is rarely used in horror because of its soothing qualities, so I find it really interesting when artists like Beksinksi manage to make it such an unsettling color.

[@shibba2517]

I'm sending you off to Perfect Blue

[@TechnoScorpion2137]

Beksiński*

[@SM-qv2om]

it could work if you're going for a cold, mysterious look

[@Biancapanzram]

Actually, for centuries the color blue was used in paintings to symbolize things like the devil and eternal cold and darkness. A quick Google search will show you many of these kinds of paintings. The color blue has been used a lot in modern horror also. Take "Clive Barker's Hellraiser" for example. If you Google "Hellraiser" and hit images, you will mostly see shades of blue.

[@jemiu9525]

@@Biancapanzram that's a really cool history, thank you!! I'll check it out immediately.

[@bloodrunsclear]

It's ironic that his paintings to many are more real than his literal manipulation of imagery with digital work.

[@devonlucero2113]

I found some of the digital ones cool. When he was trying to blend bodies with architecture it didn't seem to transition well but his more abstract digital works were dope! 11:30 - 11:40 in particular

[@Gloomysushiroll]

Gorgnax Xangrog he didn’t have photoshop, this is post WWII

[@D0MiN0ChAn]

Gloomy He did work with Photoshop in the 90s. Did you even pay attention to the video?

[@aldeezy1]

I wonder how Beksinski would have interacted with more modern programs. It really makes me curious to find CG artists that can capture the same mood as these horrifying paintings.

[@kevinv6484]

bloodrunsclear 666 likes

[@dukhax9281]

There's a game still in development by Euclidean Studios called Nazralath: The Fallen World. It's a dark fantasy RPG that's heavily based on Zdzislaw Bekskinski's art, HP Lovecraft's book, and Dark Souls.

[@nellie825]

Your analysis is, in my humble opinion, very respectful of Zdzislaw Beksinski's wishes; it says enough without saying too much, it's not pretentious, you don't use words you don't understand like a lot of art critics (some are so embarrassing), and you taught me a lot of things, as well as introduced me to a fantastic, fascinating artist. Thank you for this video!

[@richarda3764]

He died so violently. His last moments must have been an overwhelming realization that he is now going to join his paintings in ghastly decay.

[@mesolithicman164]

Richard A That's an interesting point. The 'irony' here being that so many of his pictures reference death and some sort of violence and that in his last moments of life the abstractions he'd spent his entire career portraying, became his reality. Can't help wondering about his final thoughts.

[@Pfromm007]

@@mesolithicman164 Maybe he finally found peace.

[@jghetto85]

whole family story is very tragic, his son commited suicide.we love him here in PL

[@thebigenchilada678]

Mesolithic Man his final thoughts were probably somewhere along the lines of “OW OW OW SHIT! I GOT STABBED OW OW” like literally anyone who would get stabbed to death.

[@KerWallis]

That's metal as fuck

[@notbop9744]

God, every single one of him paintings would make a fantastic horror movie

[@veiserexab1428]

Or an album of every heavy metal sub genre

[@EliasMheart]

Definitely should not have watched this directly before going to bed

[@veiserexab1428]

@@EliasMheart its cool tho

[@a.w.6441]

There is a game called The Medium. It's a horror game inspired by Beksinski nightmare art.

[@danyazabazhanov2037]

especially 11:58

[@aiokenn]

Beksiński is my favorite artist. He's one of many reasons why I'm proud of being polish. I'm happy that people recognize him abroad

[@niki7968]

As a native polish speaker, your pronounciation of his name at the beggining was really good!

[@colehaney8836]

I like this guy, he lets his art be “hey that looks awesome” instead of some “deeper” meaning

[@sourpuss5951]

I can relate to him so much. For the longest time I felt I had to force myself to learn how to put symbolism in art because of how it seems everyone expects it in art, sometimes even paying more attention to the story behind a work instead of the work itself. Felt like art NEEDED symbolism or a story or some shit in order to be good. Having learned about this guy made me more confident to just create, and not have to worry about adding something to it that I honestly never cared for.

[@syverudnsethholsve6695]

Maybe it has a deeper meaning. Its just so deep noone has figured out

[@levi1929]

I see a lot of deeper meaning in his art, but he definitely favors vivid imagery. I think he uses that to draw you into the image and that in itself forces the viewer to think.

[@bibble348]

Sour Puss I feel the same way. People like to put pressure on art only being art if it has some great symbolism.

[@juggs9437]

@@sourpuss5951 well isnt that the same thing?

[@DoritoGOD2811]

"If I wanted to say something, I would just write it down" Holy shit that's based.

[@MerlinTheCommenter]

I guess that's where we differ, because words are cheap and opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. But leading people to your opinions with visual art is priceless.

[@raz8752]

Mask I don’t know. I personally think leading people to your opinions through visual art is still very impressive, but there is still something to be said about written words still being an artistic way of expressing opinions. You can say that words are cheap, but well placed words aren’t.

[@Irongrip62]

Foundationed.

[@aronianspigonian8589]

@@jessewoody5772 it means that you’re stating something that’s simple yet profound

[@biggyboris5540]

Well no thats kinda the point of art and movies. We like things dramatized . Besides that, art is like dreams in that it tends to reflect the subconscious in mysterious and patterned ways, you just gotta know where to look.

[@ZAN23966]

what happened to THIS guy, 4 years ago he wasn't a fucking loon, at least in his videos

[@lemokemo5752]

Exactly

[@broncoxy]

I'd never heard of this artist before, but his paintings are probably some of the most fascinating and stunning ones I've ever seen... Great video, thank you!!

[@b52goats]

You missed out on mentioning he listened to pop music while drawing. “When I paint while listening to pop music, I make movements with my torso, which hinders my work, seemingly senseless; nevertheless, turning off the sound system creates a feeling of lack of something, without which you cannot work"

[@tommibear4013]

You have to remember, pop music was *really* different back then

[@tristanyou]

Ah thats the same thing with me without sounds it feels like something is left out

[@mariannebec9871]

if he stayed alive he would jam on Britney spears while drawing his masterpieces

[@aa-to6ws]

Imagine painting the horrors of the holocaust while moving the hips to "Single Ladies"

[@davida.jansen7551]

He died in 2005, not 1960...

[@thornels]

I watched this after a Ghibli documentary, what a mood change

[@LL-tr5et]

a ghibli documentary? doesnt ghibli make anime?

[@GorggW]

I love Ghibli!

[@Dopino]

@@LL-tr5et a documentary about ghiblis story probably lol

[@soleil7259]

Actually when looking into the backstories and references for the artwork of Ghibli, it is sometimes as disturbing as this. It's just delivered differently. Remember my neighbour Totoro ? It is said to be about two kids, that actually disappeared and believed to be murdered. Totoro is portrayed as a friend, on their way to heaven. Spirited away ? Deals with selling your soul, the bath house is actually the traffic spot for sex workers (prostitution). Miyazaki obviously didn't want to confront kids so directly, with topics like these but gave out subconcious messages by a few scenes here and there, for the adults to understand.

[@midnightghost_2]

@@LL-tr5et yes they do, they make anime movies

[@roguehy]

Stanisław Szukalski is another outstanding and intriguing Polish artist you should definitely cover if you have not already. The story of his life and his unique and unfettered creative mind blew my own unique and creative mind. Truly inspiring individuals and an awesome channel.

[@evanrayswenson]

Even though I won’t interpret his individual paintings, I will say they seem to have a world of their own.

[@kontrabanned]

His architecture paintings likely inspired some doom textures

[@nuclearshorts1243]

The wall of faces?

[@ckiress278]

fr

[@DarrenHoussein]

@@nuclearshorts1243 I saw a wall of faces on lsd

[@bright.light.sights933]

@@DarrenHoussein 😉

[@Somespideronline]

nuclear shorts wall of faces kinda remind me of the mass faces from the eclipse of Berserk

[@srtophat9917]

Artist: *wakes up from nightmare* Also Artist: Well time to paint again…

[@ncshuriken]

I guess both Beksinski & Giger painted their nightmares & dreams (since its not all nightmarish) as a form of therapy and self exploration.

[@DeviousDryad]

As an artist that is exactly what I do

[@WinicjuszPilarski]

Actually Beksinski said in an interview, that he doesn't paint his dreams. He said he tried it once and it wasn't a good result.

[@Smoko-9]

@@DeviousDryad cool story

[@paolo6219]

Rachmaninoff be like

[@Yuh_zhimmy]

Bro really fell off. Some of your videos are great, but you just had to be political and trash on one of the most un-problematic people on KZbin.

[@elenafoleyfoley168]

Dark as his Art was 🎨 The man was a creative genius 💥💥💥 May he Rest In Peace 🌹

[@tmck4138]

The art reminds me of the book “I have no mouth, and I must scream” It just shows an endless abyss of suffering and emptiness

[@t_time5053]

emptiness?

[@stickysocks6369]

Ooooh that title pikes my interest, please tell me more

[@fert8734]

@@stickysocks6369 I have no mouth and I must scream is a disturbing sifi book that contains a lot of body horror and it’s a amazing book but shit it gets disturbing

[@MiguelAngel-fw4sk]

@@fert8734 Book? I thought it was a short story of more or less 12 pages. At least in my case, I read it in a book that compiled short stories. (If there's a larger version please tell me where to find it because i really loved it)

[@mascotwithadinosaur9353]

@@MiguelAngel-fw4sk It is a short story. There's also the 90's game (which I haven't played but Ellison helped write for it). But for the written medium, it is only a short story. People likely refer to it as a book because it's easier to call it that, but it's a short story.

[@nick8670]

"I'm not going to try and interpret his paintings" *Interprets his paintings*

[@gmg9010]

Mossy With The Sauce I was gonna say that

[@louise4778]

I don't mind at all. If it weren't for this video, I never would've known about this amazing artist! And him talking about the artist's work gave us a broader perspective on what kind of art he created. Probably the best thing I've come across on today's KZbin binge🌸

[@pierre329]

your pfp makes it so perfect

[@johnathoneducated3181]

@@pierre329 this

[@fitradical]

Exactly, that pretentious guy.

[@keitharoo1962]

So talented, so dark, so emotional, so tortured...then it all spills out into his art.

[@Isabel_Czichy_Art]

The level those paintings are on is mindboggoling,unbelievable, indescribable. I somehow can't look away.

[@meirongutman17]

Satan be like: see those? I want the place to look like that

[@David232x]

Satan: Well, I just wanna say I am big fan

[@jerinakhter8488]

Your profile picture says how excited Satan is by looking at those paintings lmao

[@mylles1112]

@@lostinstrumentalsproject7343 ♥️🐵💓😪👉💔💓😥💢👉🔞🔞🔞

[@thegeekatl4151]

Exactly!!!!

[@reginaldsmithers3468]

"Satan be like: see those? I want the place to look like that" would you be kind enough to provide us with Satan's phone number? I need to report a mole to her.

[@captainsnizz]

"... so I'm not going to try and interpret his paintings" (three seconds later) "The colour blue indicates the Zyklon B gas used in extermination camps" XD Seriously though, great video!

[@sethleoric2598]

That descended quicker than sanity

[@Radosaint]

Just like my teacher.

[@hughthetuber7990]

I found that kindof ironic and funny too... but hes probably mainlining some truth. hahaha

[@hughthetuber7990]

@Toxic Potato That was what the artist was hinting at though. He wanted each of the viewers of his works to come to their own interpretations of his art. David lynch shares a similar like mindedness in that regard. 10 people can listen to a song and come up with 10 different interpretations as to its meaning as reflected through the lens of their own personal perspective. And that is why art is such a powerful medium of exploration into the mind of the artist and art aficionado alike.

[@Dm3qXY]

Some critics, by "interpreting", actually try reading the mind of the artist and turn it in a statement, with the certainty of a disambiguation. The color remark in the video is much more of an external observation, more like noticing a hint, instead of a story.

[@Yousadclownofaman]

Beksinski is a hugely underrated artist, so glad you gave him some time. If you ever have a chance or the interest to do so, Wayne Barlowe definitely was highly inspired by Beksinski & others, but I feel he’s been influential enough on modern horror & scifi to earn his own note.

[@88Somi]

>Beksinski is hugely inderrated artist... >comment under video about Beksinski with over 8 mln views more than any HR Giger video Sure bud lol

[@abysmalace1399]

Honestly, I wouldn't call him a nightmare artist because he's my favorite artist. He was just a man using his medium of self expression in the way he saw fit and I love it.

[@robertmurray.7361]

"May I ask what is the meaning behind this illu-" "SHUT UP AND APPRECIATE THE ART DAMNIT"

[@FloridaMan69.]

nice picture

[@aerialjordan2683]

"Yes, but, how do you feeeeeeel looking at it?" Like a duck off the water's back Like a storm-drain ditch-cat Like LMHeyO Like lmno Like "Stupid, find the light!" Like Christmas never-bright Like alphabet, but only one Like I'm finished, but I'm never-done

[@angel_of_rust]

@@aerialjordan2683 like Batman

[@EdeYOlorDSZs]

An interpretation should me personal, if the artist or someone else interprets art for you it takes away some of the power of the painting

[@ChupeTTe]

Btw appreciating art... lets start with your profile pic.

[@mythodude]

Artist: "I hate when people try and add meaning to my art." This video: "So I think he used a lot of blue because cyanide"

[@AutumnSage98]

I kind of understand why that might be frustrating. But to be truthful, what's the very first thing you try to do when you encounter something you don't understand completely? You try to understand it. You can't completely disregard that feeling ESPECIALLY looking at these paintings and paintings like these.

[@sabotage9926]

also the video before he said that: "despite his wishes I am going to talk about some things that are hard to disregard in regards to bringing meaning to these paintings"

[@lowgrasswhite]

I'm irked by Beksinski's claim that these paintings were just pictures to look at, without any meaning. BS. Oh yeah i'll just randomly write IN HOC SIGNO VINCES on the wall, for no particular reason; i just thought the wall looked empty, and i think these words have nice aesthetics. :P

[@AutumnSage98]

@@lowgrasswhite all aesthetics bruh. What? This giant sea of skulls that build an entire sky scraper? Has 0 meaning? YEA OKAY BEKSINSKI

[@littleghostfilms3012]

It is in our nature to interpret what we encounter. It is also a common trope of artists in the world as it is now to dismiss interpretation as a way not to be boxed in by critics and spectators. You can't help but seek meaning in his work because it is so dazzling and mind bending. He clearly has a million thoughts in his head and these strange thoughts motivated him to create his art.

[@Ciotti675]

I have watched this video so many times. Weather myself or when showing someone else. I can't get over his art and the way you made this video. Thank you for sharing with the world. 🙏

[@kathleenfreeman7078]

I really appreciate your posting this video. I had never heard of this man and now I have a new favorite artist. How incredible!

[@xypher321]

In the span of two years, he lost his wife and son. 6 years later, this man was stabbed to death by a 19 year old kid because he refused to give the boy $100 in Polish money. Not only did he paint horror, but he lived it.

[@ianfinrir8724]

He was also unable to move on from the death of his son and kept an envelope for him pinned to his wall. The currency of Poland is the Zloty

[@KexyTime]

@@ianfinrir8724 what was in the envolope? like money or a letter?

[@SunBunz]

“Let’s talk about the pictures. How did you make them?” “I don’t..... _make them._ .....I see them.....and then....they just......... _are.”_

[@lukegray5528]

SunBunz the ring?

[@Bergensape]

Reminded me of the Lovecraft story "Pickman's Model", if you didn't read it yet, give it a try, it's not long and has some connection with the Dreamland tales and with my favorite "Dream quest of the unknown Kadath"

[@Walkerbtween]

Eventhough I consider myself an amateur artist (lately doing digital work), I understand this statement and have said something similar many, many times.

[@Eeveefall]

@@lukegray5528 lol yeah! its from the ring. i just recently saw that movie but couldnt recognize the quote too well. but its definitely from the ring.

[@soulmechanics7946]

😎

[@MichaelAGrant-vu4uc]

The new video game SCORN Brought me back to this video it’s clear this man’s works has greatly inspired it among other horror artists such as Harlan Ellison (The dude who wrote I have no mouth and I must scream). I wonder what they would’ve thought of the game if he lived to see and or play it. RIP. A TRUE ARTIST ✍🏾 🕊🕊🕊

[@Mithras444]

Wonderful collection of material!!! Thanks for the presentation!

[@MeanBeanComedy]

"His birthplace, Sanok, had the largest population of Jews in Poland." Hey, cool! "Before World War II" Uh-oh.

[@sexysolaire1203]

had the exact same thought there

[@LANSl0t]

lmao my exact same reaction

[@ianfinrir8724]

Hmm

[@antonikudlicki1100]

welcome to XXth century m8

[@t3rki179]

I don't know if it's just me being German but as soon as a sentence starts like that I just get automatically tense because I wish it's not ww2 related but you know it is.

[@powerpc127]

The camera pans got a little overwhelming after a while. I wished I could just look at the work in full.

[@WaallyOne]

They get really overwhelming around 5:16 with the transition into his paintings.

[@bravomike4734]

Don't worry, just make the video playback slower from settings.

[@SeaJay_Oceans]

It would be nice to have a full color biography with hundreds of his paintings in a 'coffee table book' large format, like an Atlas book... Such paintings and photos have much detail that is only seen if it is printed in full color and large format.

[@powerpc127]

@@SeaJay_Oceans That would be really cool. Also a great feeler for if you and a new friend would be compatible. 'What's that?' 'Oh, it's an art book featuring pillars of corpses and people dying in agony. Good shit.' 'Oh... kaaaaay. I'm gonna go.'

[@agsmashups]

powerpc127 literally made me dizzy and sick. So irritating

[@GabrielFMayer1]

THANK YOU for introducing me to such an amazing work

[@jimglass3106]

Really,really enjoyed this. Thank you for introducing us to his work and his story.

[@gioscacco]

i would’ve liked to see the paintings without them moving at 300mph what i find funny is the amout of people who can’t take a joke

[@cailynaube]

LMFAOOO. yes please slow down the panning speed!!!

[@zacharyfranks293]

Just look it up

[@aaronlogan]

Hit pause? Just a thought.

[@KentBuchla]

Aaron Logan moron

[@jh5881]

Now that's funny......

[@citiesinruin9435]

KZbin is getting real comfortable with these double 15 second no skip ads .

[@yourlocalReptillian]

Yeah...

[@Esuper1]

How much do you pay into the platform to view all this stuff? Yeah, that's why.

[@ohlookitsbryan]

@@Esuper1 I hope they read this bro

[@luponl997]

@@Esuper1 yeah it was totally ad free a couple of years ago, that was it's strength over the f... television

[@luponl997]

Its*

[@pax_9365]

Thank you for making and uploading this video. I really enjoyed it. Well done

[@amys3785]

Absolutely fascinating… this is something worthy of discussing with like minded people. Unfortunately, I know not even one interested in delving deeper with this or similar topics. I appreciate you!

[@_WhiteMage]

"Don't interpret my work." >work gets interpreted "Don't stab me!" >gets stabbed

[@EriksBlue]

Well he was stabbed to death so...

[@affluenzashot]

trolls in a nutshell

[@bananalord8575]

don't disturb my circles

[@livsvids17]

💚

[@andrestrevino8119]

@@bananalord8575 My boy Archimedes was done dirty.

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Stabbed 17 times for not giving 100 dollars? That’s more terrifying than any of his paintings. Money and humans are truly the real evil. 🤯

[@Itsunclegabby]

I'd say greed. And humans...

[@harseik7354]

Money is not evil itself, but merely amplifies character.

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@harseik7354 Interesting you say that, because I believe money (wealth, abundance) is energy, so it makes sense that energy would amplify one's character.

[@kingkaijuslayer1109]

When motivated by greed and fueled by malice, no monster comes as close to how terrifying humans can be

[@dawidceleban7973]

It was a lot of money back then in Poland

[@Gali80f]

I can't explain it, but I love his work! This is incredible and mesmerizing. I get chills!

[@AtZero138]

Simply wonderful.. thank you for bringing us this, your efforts are appreciated, cheers from Huntington Beach CA 🇺🇸

[@beesalittlenerdbird5949]

“I don’t want my work to be interpreted.” *immediately interpretes every painting*

[@therealshackleford1]

What the artist says is usually irrelevant to their work. They're simply the creator; they can't stop others from interpreting or finding some form of meaning.

[@supereldinho]

When an artist directly confirms that their paintings have no deeper meaning, then interpretation becomes imposition -- that is, someone claiming to know better than the guy from whose mind the painting originated. Such people are then ascribing depth and meaning when none exist and are trying to make themselves look smart instead of just appreciating art for art's sake. No wonder Beksinski disliked such a self-aggrandising mentality by self-appointed intellectual that have no idea what they're talking about.

[@therealshackleford1]

@@supereldinho It has no deeper meaning to the artist; that doesn't mean the paintings don't have deeper meaning to anyone else who looks at them and feels something from them. It's one thing to claim that "the artist meant this" or "the artist did this because" but it's quite another to never allow anyone to see any form of symbolism or depth just because the artist didn't feel anything. Lou Reed once said that "I could be wrong" in regards to how he interprets his songs and understands them. Everyone who takes in a piece of art is going to take something different away from it. There's nothing wrong with taking an artist's pieces and placing them in the historical context of the artist's life. I'd much rather have an artist leave the interpretation up to the viewer/listener rather than just dictate how they should feel.

[@supereldinho]

​@@therealshackleford1 Fair enough, people are almore than welcome to interpret things -- it's just when they start to view those interpretations as fact or profess to know better than the artist is where things go outta line, at least in my opinion. After all, Beksinski was quite up-front with his stance of the subject and I respect him for that. If he had something to say, he would've just said it, so he drew his art for its own sake rather than trying to impose some greater meaning on it. I like that kind of honesty. Or hell, I don't mind an artist who admits that their own interpretation isn't necessarily better than everyone else's. All I'm saying is, Beksinski disliked the idea of imposing interpretation upon others and just preferred people to enjoy his art for its own sake and I appreciate his honesty on the subject. But hey, I can't stop people from disagreeing with him, so have at it, I say.

[@therealshackleford1]

@@supereldinho I think we're mostly in agreement with each other. From what I understand, Beksinski was a pretty happy guy who just enjoyed making his art the way he wanted to; he didn't like the idea of people telling him what his art "meant" or what motivated him to make it; after-all, it's a harsh stereotype that all artists are mentally unstable geniuses who throw their darkest, deepest thoughts onto canvas. It seems as though he found a style that he liked and just did what he wanted. I have a huge respect for that. Warhol was very much the same way; he just didn't care what others thought. I agree that we've been exposed to too many "experts" and teachers who tell us that all art has a definite meaning and motivation. We must move away from that type of interpretation. Personally I think his artwork has a lot to say on its own merit, and it can be tiresome to assign every brushstroke with some type of deeper meaning than it has.

[@joeydokken6034]

This is a really well put together and informative exposé of a very interesting artist. Thank you for putting this quality educational video on KZbin! You should do more of these

[@garrettpowers3237]

Silly Billy

[@LiamKennedy886]

preach

[@atilab99draws58]

if beksinski and junji ito joined forces to create a horror manga...

[@mjolninja9358]

Lol I’ll probs die

[@digiquo8143]

Not sure how that would work. Their styles are super distinct, and neither seem like the kind of people to compromise for the sake of the other person wishes if they think it will detract from the piece.

[@kdvr766]

@@digiquo8143 i agree with you i mean look at his hair cut🤣✌️

[@firstnamelastnamethirdname]

i may be christian but i would have loved whatever monstrosity would have came out

[@captainteeko4579]

Or just joined forces period.

[@daserika4437]

This guy is a genius but I just can't 12:00

[@skullchimes]

it makes me think of an egg

[@squidwardsclarinet457]

Egg man

[@Getout634]

oh my god I wasn't done with the video so I just skipped to that part and it caught me off guard-

[@lesqie]

whEeZE

[@spareaccount9074]

dr. Phil but upgraded

[@cesarlorenzo_._]

A GENIUS!!! Thank you so much for the video. I never heard of him before…

[@leasagna2202]

11:59 looks like a modern shitpost

[@brendonsill1461]

When you order a 5 piece chicken nugget meal but the worker gives you 6

[@sourpuss5951]

This image has so much meme potential....

[@anbuhyuga8299]

lmaooooo

[@lochlann4769]

🗿

[@martinthedrainedsedlak]

When you Bottom text

[@zeeby24]

It’s so unfortunate that he couldn’t live to take advantage of this era of advanced digital art. Imagine what amazing things he could’ve done with the technology artists have access to now?

[@ukaszgabryel4540]

Beksiński had few very good computers. He made lot of digital arts.

[@TheViroArts]

@@ukaszgabryel4540 digital art wasn’t where it is now, the works that can be created now are out of this world, back at the dawn on photoshop artists where very limited but also where still learning and experimenting with the medium which has resulted in works that haven’t stood the test of time imo, I know for a fact that if he was alive today and was able to sink a substantial amount of time into these programs the works of art he would create would be unimaginably good

[@5eA5]

Well..name one important good work of digital art in general compared to one Pic of Leonardo (sum up all computer games, VRs, whatever)..."digital art" i think its an oxymoron, like making "music" with a computer..im not saying inferior, its just not about what we call art or expression anymore. And the people feel it, noone ever will remember any graphics nerd, nor any of the electronic music heros from today longer than some months, thats for sure. I think he found that too.

[@zero-ht8gb]

Idk if cgi counts but he would probably make a world no one has seen before

[@ykshay]

@The Last Crusader what 👺

[@tombstone4986]

This video ROCKED!! Thanks so much 💙

[@agneebags]

i love this kinda stuff, and it’s really nice to hear an artist say he’s not concerned with meaning, since that’s how i feel with my visual art a lot of the time and have always felt suffocated by the need for some deep symbolism. but i also dig interpretations and love hearing them!

[@artursolich6539]

When you see someone trying to spell Polish names: *He a little confused, but he got the spirit*

[@arturfatyga5977]

Grzegorz Brzęczyszczykiewicz

[@lebens3585]

Polish people be like: Hello, my name is Peter Zczczczczcccczzzzc

[@arturfatyga5977]

@Codename Starmunch we even have nine of them: a,ą,e,ę,u,o,i,y,ó

[@ohlawdhecomin305]

@@arturfatyga5977 Where are you hiding them then

[@arturfatyga5977]

@@ohlawdhecomin305 oświadczam ci że zawsze używam samogłosek w, zgodnie z zasadami pisowni języka polskiego.

[@rohithpadikkal7082]

His paintings look like they're from Courage the Cowardly Dog

[@TrashMaster-rh3sv]

It's funny how I came here from a courage the cowardly clip

[@toomuchcandor3293]

in a sense yes Creator of Courage was inspired by bleak artists such as Beksinski, Giger and sort but chronologically itd be more apt to say Courage looks like its been taken from such paintings

[@blackphillip8486]

I miss Chowder, lol.

[@victoriaherds7985]

That fucking cartoon gave me existential dread as a 5 year old

[@acidicrainbow7754]

I would always watch that show in the dusty basement of my Grandpa Spiderweb's house, on the floor surrounded by many metal bed frames eating cinnamon cereal in the darkness when I was really young. With the company of my stuffed pink frog wearing a tutu and tiara~ I can remember it very clearly, ah, Good times.

[@VJDanny1979]

Never had heard of the artist before. But I am faszinated by his pictures. Hieronymus Bosch taken to a new level. Really spooky art. Also reminds me of H.R. Giger, the guy who created Alien. - Thanx for the video.

[@vickielawson3114]

Bosch and Giger are amazing. I just learned of this guy and he is really good as well.

[@geotechms]

Dude, this was EXTREMELY well done 👍 Brilliant writing

[@JustWowNick]

"If I had something to say, I would write it down or say it." I agree. I like the cut of this man's jib.

[@idoit1260]

Nice profile picture

[@JustWowNick]

Idoit thanks and you too.

[@conalcochranh3274]

And there, by a fluffy rainbow, we'll prance and dawdle, skip our way, hand in hand, down a candy path and splash about in a neon puddle. That's right, Sweetie; let's have a bubbly giggle and laugh about how we blew cotton clouds across a rippling sky; licked a lolly sun and learned to fly among marshmallow birds in soda-pop rain and picked bubblegum flowers on a chocolate plain. Eemmmm, wasn't that nice, Sweetie? Now let's do that again! -Beksinski Banished by Conal Cochran

[@mandala314]

I love that way of thinking. When I draw or paint, I'm basically crying out. I wish I could silence myself in my art.

[@MH-bm7jq]

I do too. i tip my cap to him

[@Eagle_Owl2]

I was visiting the museum in Sanok in 2017 and they offered a VR tour through some of his paintings back then (don't know if they still do that). They added the most eerie music, so the whole VR tour was extremely creepy and surreal. It was amazing and the best use of VR I experienced until today.

[@troylaw18]

...

[@kio3616]

I visited it too, crazy good

[@zeno5921]

Where is sanok i only know sanok as a pubg mobile map🤣

[@Eagle_Owl2]

@@zeno5921 Sanok is in south Poland, near the borders to Slovakia and Ukraine.

[@zeno5921]

@@Eagle_Owl2 thanks for information bro🙂

[@im_skrunkly]

If anyone has every read the manga Berserk, it's very possible that many of Kentaro Muira's characters and events are heavily inspired by these paintings.