[The artistic interests of Professor Tadeusz Ginko, M.D. PH.D.(1917-1984)]

Tadeusz Ginko was born on 2nd April, 1917 in Vilnius, where, in 1938, he began his studies at the Medical Faculty of the Stefan Batory University. He was granted his medical diploma at Kaunas University in 1941. During the Nazi occupation, he was a lecturer in clandestine study groups in Vilnius (1940-1942), served as a medic for the Polish Home Army troops (Armia Krajowa; 1942-1944), was a prisoner of war in Kaługa (1944-1946). After his return to Poland, he participated in the organisation of health care centres in Piła and Płońsk (1946-1950). In the years 1950-1984, he worked for Silesian Medical Academy (SMA), in the Surgical Departments of Zabrze (till 1962) and Katowice (1963-1984). In 1951 he became full professor. He died on 28th October, 1989. T. Ginko, the artistically gifted surgeon, was known for his unique caricatures of his friends, fellow prisoners, doctors and artists. He published two sketchbooks containing the caricatures of SMA professors and doctors. His interest in sculpture dates back to the Kaługa times. The sculpture series called "Gnomes" ("Gnomy") reflects his knowledge of people, their passions and faults; in the linden carvings called "Strugadła" he showed the depth of human suffering. He exhibited his works in SMA (1978), in Oblate parochial church in Katowice (1989), and also in Warsaw, Cracow and Turin. The caricatures by Professor evoke memories of the past. His sculptures, drawing upon his philosophical thought can be seen as the allegories of important historic events as well as Professor's professional and personal experiences.