Natalia Budzyńska

(b. 1968) – culture studies scholar, journalist, writer.

Initially associated with alternative culture circles, involved in feminist and green anarchist activism, Budzyńska also wrote for “Fronda”. Later she developed a strong relationship with the Catholic Church and is a regular contributor to “Przewodnik Katolicki” on themes such as culture, religion, the problems of the Church and of contemporary world, often discussing controversial issues. She writes biographies: some of figures involved with the Church, such as the mother of Maksymilian Kolbe, Brother Albert Chmielowski or the nun Barbara Ubryk, and some of other colourful characters, including artists (Stanisław Witkiewicz, female artists from the city of Zakopane). Of particular interest is the biography of her grandfather’s cousin, Alfred Trzebinski, an SS doctor at the Neuengamme concentration camp and a Nazi war criminal. This last book brought her a nomination to the “Juliusz” Upper Silesian Literary Award. Her book “Witkiewicz. Ojciec Witkacego” (Witkiewicz. Witkacy’s Father) received the 2023 Zakopane Literary Award.