Michał Rusewicz (*) was born in 1912 in the village of Rudni near Nowogrodek (in the northwest of present-day Belarus near the borders with Poland and Lithuania). At that time, the primeval forests in this region were the exclusive hunting grounds of Tsar Nicholas II. Rusewicz’s father worked there as a gamekeeper. From early childhood, Michał became involved in his father’s work, developing a great sensitivity to nature. His life became pervaded by the forest and he was fond of tracking, setting snares, hunting and fishing. After a six-year basic education and a follow-up course, he followed in his father’s footsteps at the age of 18.
Storks in a tree (1984). Oil paint on panel 40×60 cm.
During his military service in the Polish army he produced his first paintings in the free hours. He married young and took up various jobs to support his rapidly growing family. As an ‘extra income’ he went out with his hunting rifle to shoot wild in the forests.
Storks on a barn (1979). Oil paint on panel 52×47 cm.
After the Nazi invasion in 1941 in the Russian-occupied eastern areas of Poland (under the Molotow-Ribbentrop Treaty), Rusewicz and his family were deported to Germany for forced labour. He returned in 1945 with a seriously ill wife and settled west of the (now Belarusian) city of Minsk. In 1953, due to ongoing political and social unrest, he moved with his family to the Polish village of Jerzmanice Zdrój (Lower Silesia) where he found work as a forest worker.
Cityscape (1987). Oil paint on panel 59×63 cm.
After his retirement in 1973, he got time to devote himself to his interests in painting and sculpture, which had existed since his school days. He acquired brushes, and oil paint and began to record his childhood memories of life in the forests of his childhood. In addition, he painted portraits of Polish kings, the Mona Lisa, cityscapes, circus performances, hospitalizations and important socialist party gatherings. His works have a unique immediately recognizable style due to a strong brushwork in primary colours, on a background of cardboard or board and self-made rough wooden frames.
In addition to being a painter, he was a skilled producer of primitive-looking wood carvings. These works also radiate his characteristic signature.
In addition to being a painter, he was a skilled producer of primitive-looking wood carvings. These works also radiate his characteristic signature.
Pałac Kultury (1982). Oil paint on panel 57×75 cm.
He soon achieved resounding success at regional exhibitions for amateur artists, praising articles appeared in the media and his work was bought by private collectors and museums. His work is included in the permanent collections of the ethnographic museums of Wrocław and Warszawa.
He passed away in 1992.
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(*) For this biography information is used from:
Aleksander Jackowski – Sztuka zwana naiwna – Warszawa 1995.