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The Stykas (from left): Tadeusz (Tade), Jan Styka (their father), and Adam

Styka, Adam -- artist

Adam Styka (1890 -1959) was born in Kielce, Poland, the younger of two sons of internationally renowned artist, Jan Styka. Although Polish by birth, Adam became a Parisian and later a resident of the United States. During the years he was in Paris he exhibited his works in its most prestigious art galleries and each Spring his paintings were exhibited in the Artists Salon of the Societe des Artistes.

In his early work he revealed his fascination with the life of the North African Arabs. During leisurely wanderings in Northern Africa, when he lived the tent life of the natIves. sharing their meals and observing their daily pursuits, he was imbued with a desire to paint the people of the desert in their natural environment. His keenness of observation and force of expression led in a few short months to the mastery of a new technique. He captured the effects of the dazzling African light which sharpens outlines and endows colors with greater brilliance. He learned how to render the vibrations of the Atmosphere - the heat mist which veils with illusion the sun scorched African landscape. The paintings of Egyptian landscapes and of the natives are thrilling 'memories of ardent light and warm and strong color; he uses the brush with the hand of a master well acquainted with the art of oil painting. His skill as a colorist won Mr. Styka the designation of "the Artist of Sunlight."

From: Wally West

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Golgotha, a panoramic painting by Jan Styka, later rstored by his son Adam.