A talented artist has been discovered dead in a churchyard just weeks after he was made homeless.
Andrew Nawroski was reportedly found on the grounds of St Mary’s Catholic Church in Newport city centre on Wednesday, March 1.
The 57-year-old, who had hosted many exhibitions in the Welsh city and specialised in surrealist-dadaist pieces, became homeless in January.
A number of local creatives have since paid tribute to Mr Nawroski on social media, with one describing him as a “good friend and fantastic artist”.
Janet Martin, who owns Barnabas Art House and several other galleries in the Newport area, described Mr Nawroski “the real McCoy”.
She described him as "very gifted", "strong-willed", and someone who enjoyed an argument, "whether political or philosophical”.
Revealing a quieter side to his character, she said: "I bought a lot of pieces from him over the years and I always argued over the price with him because he always tried to sell his work cheaply when it was worth a lot more.
"That’s what he was like - he had no concern for money or fame. He did it because he loved it, but it’s such a great shame he didn’t get the notoriety that he deserved."
Photographer Ron McCormick meanwhile remembered him as one of the city’s most talented creators and a "quiet talent who made a distinctive contribution to the Newport art scene".
“I’m very sorry to hear of the death last week of Andrew Nawroski,” he wrote.
"One of Newport’s most talented and imaginative artists and an incredibly inventive montage artist in the surrealist-dadaist tradition. Rest in peace Andy."
Mr Nawroski, who said he hoped his work left people “enlightened and informed”, presented his pieces in galleries across the city’s empty shops including in the Kingsway Centre right up to the end of his life. He also showcased his work as part of the 2010 Empty Shops Project, in the Upmarket Gallery and in Artopsy in Maesglas.
Tori Yule, who worked with him, wrote: “I am devastated to hear this. Andy was a good friend and a fantastic artist. We collaborated on several pieces. It was an experience I will never forget. He wrote me beautiful messages about art, life, and love. Hosting Abstract/Surreal Art with him on Redbubble was one of the best times of my life.”
A man of few words who let his work speak for him, Mr Nawroski’s well-followed page where he shared his art simply reads: “I started drawing at a young age and became inspired by the old masters.”
Gwent Police previously said they were treating the death as "unexplained".
A spokesperson for the force told South Wales Argus: “We received a report that a man had been found unresponsive in the grounds of St Marys Catholic Church, Newport at around 8.30am on Wednesday, March 1.
“Officers attended along with personnel from the Welsh Ambulance Service, who confirmed that a 57-year-old man from Newport had died.
“The death is being treated as unexplained at this time; a report has been submitted to the coroner in relation to the death.”
The Mirror contacted Gwent Police for an updated statement.
