Ralph Podolski A Life of Time and Chance

A survey exhibition of artwork by Central Coast resident, Polish-born painter Ralph Podolski, a survivor of the German invasion and occupation of Poland who joined the Polish Resistance Movement at the age of fifteen.

Through his work, Podolski recalls the moment he arrived with his father at the Gross-Rosen concentration camp as political prisoners, and how his artwork helped him survive through swapping drawings for stale bread. 

Podolski migrated to Australia, arriving in Melbourne in March 1950. He built a comfortable life as a graphic artist in Melbourne, travelling to study art abroad, returning to Australia and relocating to Sydney where he became an Archibald Prize finalist (1973) while working for UTS Sydney.

His Central Coast home has been described as a ‘private gallery of his work’. Podolski, now in his mid-nineties, has continued to paint for as long as his vision and health has allowed. Influenced by the masters of the renaissance, Podolski’s work maintains an edge of Surrealism, where his life’s memory and dreams are entwined.

Free pdf version of Ralph’s biography

Watch a short video of Ralph talking about his work

Listen to a short speech (90 seconds) to Parliament about Ralph given by Gordon Reid

Opening event: 5:30pm 12 January 2024. RSVP at www.trybooking.com/CLCUF

Image: Ralph Podolski, Dreamland