The selection of Kraków as the inaugural location for the “Utracone” Exhibition was anything but arbitrary. It was a symbolic choice, steeped in the rich history of one of Poland’s oldest cities. Kraków has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, including the tumultuous periods of World War II when many of the looted artworks featured in “Looted” were stolen.
Artworks such as Raphael’s “Portrait of A Young Man” are deeply intertwined with the city’s past. This piece was hidden during the November uprising in 1830 and later seized by the Nazis during WWII. Its disappearance and subsequent revival in collective memory resonate with Kraków’s resilient history, embodying the city’s endurance and vitality.
Visitors to Galeria Podbrzezie encountered a staggered sea of moving images, all complemented by the ambient sounds of artistic creation, such as brushes on canvas and palette knives mixing paint. The staggered 20-second intervals between videos created a dynamic experience, showcasing the varying stages of each painting’s life and inviting contemplation on the loss of cultural heritage.
Like the missing paintings, which exist today only as black and white archival photographs, these recreated works endure solely in the sepia-toned videos. The installation highlights the continuous cycle of erasure and recreation, simultaneously acknowledging loss and celebrating the creative process.
“Looted” goes beyond visual presentation, urging reflection on how art acts as a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of violence and tyranny. By highlighting specific pieces like Raphael’s “Portrait of A Young Man” and Joseph Chełmoński’s “Shepherd with the Whip in the Meadow,” the artists created a living memory of works whose physical presence is lost but whose spiritual impact lingers.
This fusion of traditional artistic techniques with contemporary multimedia elements offered visitors a reflective and educational experience. It was a holistic exploration of art’s complex relationship with history, memory, and identity. Rekindling lost artworks and weaving an experiential connection with the past, “Looted” has become a testament to the endurance of art and cultural heritage.
In a world where art looting continues to sever ties with history, “Utracone” is a vital endeavor. It reaffirms Galeria Podbrzezie’s role as a nexus that bridges the University of Pedagogy with the city and residents of Kraków and pays homage to the lasting bond between art, cultural heritage, and the human spirit.
Looted Artworks in Exhibition
About Galeria Podbrzezie
Galeria Podbrzezie presents projects in art and design and interdisciplinary initiatives. Additionally, the gallery conducts educational activities, such as lectures, meetings, and workshops. Galeria Podbrzezie was established to showcase and promote artistic and artistic-research achievements, focusing on disseminating contemporary art through exhibitions, happenings, meetings with creators, cultural and artistic performances, and readings and lectures by cultural and art figures. It further deepens research on contemporary art and media and undertakes scientific, artistic, educational, and cultural endeavors. Galeria Podbrzezie serves as a space that bridges the University of Pedagogy with the city and residents of Kraków.
Visitors may consider how the disappearance of art separates people from their past, or how art offers hope in the face of violence and tyranny. They might simply become fascinated by the creation process of a painting itself. They may also recognize a missing artwork leading to its eventual rediscovery.
Special Thanks
