Maria Wnęk

Maria Wnęk (16 June 1922 - 12 April 2005) was one of the most eminent representatives of Outsider art (Art Brut) in Poland.

Life and work Born in Olszanka near Nowy Sącz to a family of farmers, she finished her formal education after four years of primary school. After her house burned down, she left to Nowy Sącz where she worked as a cleaner and met the painter Ewa Harsdorf who taught her basic of art techniques. She was a fervent believer participating in worship rituals, had visions, heard warnings and admonitions from God and saints, which she later wrote on the reverse sides of her works.