On 30th of June, a new exhibition will open its doors at Wrocław’s BWA Wrocław Główny gallery. KALTBLUT has teamed up with the gallery to proudly present “Otherworlds” and “Extraction”, a joint exhibition featuring two distinct narratives originating from Silesia, the ancestral homeland of artists Anna Orłowska and Michał Łuczak. Both artists primarily express their creative vision through the medium of photography. Showcased at the esteemed BWA Wrocław Główny gallery, this dual exhibition takes centre stage as the highlight of the institution’s 2023 program.
In “Otherworlds,” Orłowska delves into her personal history, recounting a captivating and eerie journey. She invites us to the ancient village of Sandowitz, now known as Żędowice, where generations of her family have resided around a watermill. Their story intertwines with the elements of water, forests, and bog iron—a mineral that has been utilized since prehistoric eras for iron smelting. These Otherworlds possess a distinctive rusty hue, symbolic of their connection to this rich deposit. Visitors are accompanied on their exploration by a comforting narrator – or medium – guiding them through the mesmerising realms.
“Extraction,” crafted by Łuczak, narrates the intricate tale of coal and its complete life cycle. With meticulous observation and documentation spanning eight years, he illuminates the profound effects of mining on the human body, architectural structures, material culture, soil, and the surrounding landscape. This multifaceted visual narrative delves into the intricate processes through which humanity has harnessed natural resources to enhance its wealth and living standards, often at the expense of the environment. Accompanying Łuczak’s work are the voices of experts who, drawing upon his exploration in Silesia, shed light on the universal significance of these themes.
“Otherworlds” and “Extraction” are united under the overarching theme of “Exhibitions on the Revolutions of Matter,” complemented by a diverse array of accompanying events. Michał Łuczak’s exhibition is thoughtfully curated by Maciej Bujko, the director of BWA Wrocław, while Anna Orłowska’s exhibition is curated by Katarzyna Roj, the programme director of BWA Wrocław.
Exhibitions on the Revolutions of Matter
Otherworlds and Extraction
30.06 – 8.10.2023
Opening: 30.06.2023, 19:00
BWA Wrocław Główny gallery
ul. Piłsudskiego 105 (1st floor), Wrocław, Poland.
Otherworlds
Artist: Anna Orłowska
Curator: Katarzyna Roj
Extraction
Artist: Michał Łuczak
Curator: Maciej Bujko
Production: Karolina Jaworska
Coordination: Agata Połeć
Visual identity and design: Damian Nowak
Promotion: Joanna Glinkowska, Agata Kalinowska, Żaneta Wańczyk
Honorary Patronage: Mayor of the City of Wrocław
Partners: Pedagogical University of Kraków, The Wrocław Centre for Social Development, Gunia Nowik Gallery
Media patrons: DailyArt Magazine, KALTBLUT Magazine, Fotograf Magazine, Radio RAM, Radio Wrocław Kultura, Magazyn SZUM, NN6T, Kwartalnik Fotografia, Pismo Artystyczne
Format Organiser: BWA Wrocław Galleries of Contemporary Art
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