Nikifor Monument

The monument of an outstanding primitive painter from Krynica, unveiled in 2005, is the work of prof. Czesław Dźwigaj. The bronze monument honored Nikifor's 110th birthday. The initiator of building the monument was the painter's guardian, Marian Włosiński, supported by the Association of Lemkos and the authorities of Krynica.

The project was selected by a Polish-Lemkos jury, and its creator renounced the fee. As in the old days, Nikifor with an inseparable suitcase sits on a wall near the promenade and works on another painting. He is accompanied by a stray dog, symbolizing the wandering life of an artist who did not have his own home or unequivocal nationality.

The son of Lemkini and Pole, Nikifor Krynicki, was really called Epifaniusz Drowniak. For most of his life he suffered misery, and a serious speech impediment to his communication with his environment made it difficult. He expressed himself through the pictures he painted and sold on the spa streets. The characteristic motifs repeated in his works and the masterful selection of colors make the painter's work recognizable at first glance.

The idea of building the monument was born in the 90s of the twentieth century, but due to lack of funds it was not implemented at that time.