Blood and Ink

The Unusual Life and Art of Marian Kolodziej

with Ron SCHMIDT, SJ, Filmmaker, and Ann O'DONNELL, Missionary and Teacher

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center

Marian Kolodziej survived Auschwitz. After 40 years of silence on his experience, he suffered a major stroke, which forced him to draw in order to respond to the promise to tell the world what had happened. What emerged are some of the most prolific pen and ink sketch art the world has seen. Attempting to go back into the camp with the "camera of his mind," he recreated the macabre landscape he lived in for nearly 5 years. At the age of 18, he was the 432nd prisoner to enter the steel gates of Auschwitz, and he survived with a scout's ingenuity, but also by the mysterious friendship of Maximilian Kolbe. After years of silence, Marian spent the rest of his life giving testimony to all those, like Kolbe, who vanished in ashes. His work is understood more as Icons than as literal representations. They represent his deep need for meaning, and his longing to know the God who seemed to abandon him, yet was present through the figure of Kolbe.

The evening will begin with a screening of the award-winning documentary short Labyrinth which follows Marian Kolodziej's last years and work, followed by a unique dialogue on the life of this unusual and profound cultural figure. The event is open to the public and free of charge.

About this Event

Date: Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Santa Monica Public Library
MLK Auditorium
601 Santa Monica Blvd
Santa Monica, CA
click here for directions

About the Speakers

Ann O'Donnell
Missionary, Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata

Ron Schmidt, SJ
Filmmaker

Article of Interest

GOOD FRIDAY: BLOOD AND INK: THE DRAWINGS OF AUSCHWITZ SURVIVOR MARIAN KOŁODZIEJ by Heather King

Transcript

Not available