Painter Izabela (47) shot dead in Kraków a day after gallery opening, leaves four children
The 47-year-old artist from Chodzież celebrated the opening of her exhibition in Kraków when she was struck by a shot from an attacker the following day. Four children, including 11-year-old twins, were left without their mother.
Kraków gallery becomes scene of tragedy: painter dies a day after exhibition opening
The 47-year-old painter Izabela from the Polish town of Chodzież died in a shooting in Kraków — a day after she ceremonially opened her own exhibition on Sławkowska Street. The news was reported by Nový Čas. Four children were left behind, among them 11-year-old twins.
The vernissage was held at a gallery on Sławkowska Street. Izabela had invited friends and followers on social networks to attend, and made no secret of her enthusiasm — congratulations accumulated beneath her posts. The following day she returned to the same location — and there she was struck by a shot from an attacker.
Her paintings still hung on the gallery walls when the place of artistic success transformed into a scene of tragedy.
"The whole town is grieving"
Chodzież mayor Jacek Gursz described for the Polish daily Fakt what shock the news of Izabela's death caused among local residents.
"We all know each other here. The whole town is grieving. The greatest tragedy is that Iza left behind four children, including 11-year-old twins," Gursz said.
According to him, Izabela was an active part of community life in the town — she participated in public events, was known to many people and had built a solid base for herself in Chodzież.
"She was developing rapidly. Her career was on the rise and everything was suddenly and brutally cut short," the mayor added.
A career just beginning to flourish
Izabela pursued painting with growing success. The exhibition at the Kraków gallery was to be another step in her artistic career. Friends and loved ones showered her with encouraging messages on the eve of the vernissage; none of them suspected that it would be one of the last happy memories.
Reactions on social networks after her death, according to Mayor Gursz, show how profound a loss it is for the local community. Residents of Chodzież are mourning a person they encountered in everyday life.
Mayor's personal condolences
Jacek Gursz also published an extensive personal statement in which he addressed the family and all those close to the deceased.
"There are tragedies that cannot be expressed in words. There are reports that are difficult to believe. And there is pain for which there are not sufficient words of comfort... The tragedy that occurred in Kraków touched all of us. With deep sorrow we received news of Izabela's death, which occurred under such dramatic circumstances. Today we think of her family, loved ones and friends. Of those for whom this loss is a personal, unimaginable pain," he wrote.
In the final part he issued a challenge to the local community not to abandon one another in their grief.
"Izabela was part of our Chodzież community. She had her places, friends, everyday matters, plans and dreams. She was present in the lives of others — and precisely for that reason her death touches us so deeply, the residents of Chodzież. In such moments we are especially conscious of how fragile life is and how much it means to have closeness, the presence of another person and simple kindness. Let us give each other space to grieve, to talk, to be silent," Gursz concluded.
Four children and unfinished dreams
Izabela left behind four children, a family and friends. Before the gallery on Sławkowska Street, people are laying candles and flowers; the whole town of Chodzież is in mourning. Her nearest and dearest are facing a loss that cannot be replaced by anything.
Source: Nový Čas