Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs (Latgalian: Andrivs Povulāns-Kraskevičs, 30 November 1896 – 29 November 1973) was a Latvian and Latgalianceramicist. He is regarded as one of the greatest Latgalian ceramicists. In 1937, Paulāns was awarded a gold medal at the Paris Exhibition.[1]
Biography
Andrejs Paulāns-Kraskevičs was born at Šembeļi village in Silajāņi Parish, Russian Empire in 1896. He inherited the interest for pottery from his father Izidors.[2] In 1915, he joined Latvian riflemen as the World War I was going on. Two years later, Paulāns returned home after being heavily wounded in head and shoulder. For his service, he was awarded a Cross of St. George.[3] Paulāns right eye was blinded for the rest of his life.[2]
From 1918, Paulāns worked in the workshop of his father.[4] His name rose to fame in the 1930s, when his works were shown in exhibitions outside Latvia. First foreign exhibition with Paulāns works was in 1931 in Sèvres, France.[2] He was awarded a gold medal at the 1937 Paris Exhibition.
Paulāns died on 29 November 1973. He is buried in the Feimaņi cemetery.[5]
Legacy
Paulāns remains one of the most influential ceramicists in the Latgalian ceramics history. In Rainis Museum in Jasmuiža are located the relocated workshop and kiln of Andrejs Paulāns.[6] In 1986, Latgale Ceramics Studio in Rēzekne was renamed to Andrejs Paulāns Folk Applied Art Studio.[7] One of the streets in the Latgalian town of Preiļi is named in honor of Paulāns.[8]
