It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of PROFESSOR ANDRZEJ DESPERAK, painter, graphic artist, pedagogue and long-serving professor at the Jan Długosz University of Częstochowa.

He worked together with Professor Dr. hab. Jerzy Mizgalski during the creation of our “THE JEWS OF CZĘSTOCHOWA” exhibition, which now has a permanent home in the Częstochowa Jewish Museum at ul Katedralna 18, in Częstochowa.

Professor Mizgalski writes the following in memory of his friend and colleague:

Andrzej and I still had much to discuss. We understood each other so well. We inspired and supported each other in implementing our ideas. The permanent exhibition “The Jews of Częstochowa” is a work of soul and a message about the past as a warning for the future. Sigmund Rolat z”l fully accepted this message.

We pursued this goal in such a way as to appeal to contemporary viewers – not only via the artifacts, but also through the composition of the exhibition space. We did this so that post-WW2 generations would understand the warnings of racist genocide, fierce hatred between nations, irreparable material losses and broken links in multi-generational family lines.

For us, working on the exhibition was not only a challenge and the implementation of an ordered project, but it was also an in-depth study of history and many other fields, using techniques and means of artistic expression.

Andrzej, I received the news of your passing with disbelief. We did not have time to finish our many discussions. It saddens me that I am currently unable to personally be present as you leave your hard-working, creative and beautiful earthly journey.

Farewell Andrzej.

Jerzy.

.