Jan Piotr Tutaj

Jan Piotr Tutaj serves as Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Sculpture at the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow since 2020, following his term as Vice-Rector for Student Affairs (2016-2020). He leads Studio I for students in years II-V within the Department of Sculpture I.

Education:

• State Secondary School of Fine Arts, Rzeszow
• Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Faculty of Sculpture (1989-1994), Diploma with Distinction under Professor Józef Sękowski

Tutaj's artistic research spans sculpture and object art, medallic art, drawing, and photography. His practice consistently engages with natural environments and public commemorative works, blending traditional techniques with contemporary conceptual approaches to explore humanity's relationship with ecological systems.

His recent output, including the 2024 Tatra Mountains project, reveals a sustained focus on environmental dialogue through spatial interventions. This work exemplifies broader trends in his oeuvre where sculptural forms interact critically with natural landscapes, emphasizing ecological awareness and site-specific responsiveness across diverse geographic contexts.

Awards:

• Multiple distinctions in national sculpture competitions (Gdańsk, Gdynia, Bydgoszcz, Radom, Poznań, Warsaw, Przemyśl, Zamość)

Advising:

• Mentorship of advanced sculpture students in Studio I (years II-V)

Grants & Internships:

• Study internship at Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg (1993-1994)

Tutaj directs Studio I as his primary creative workspace and has collaborated on significant team projects including the Monument of the Siberians in Augustów, demonstrating his integration of individual practice with collective artistic endeavors.