Bolesławiec is one of the few towns in Poland to have its own Photographic Society, which for years has stood out for its active work, including the organisation of numerous competitions and exhibitions. From 25 November to 15 December 1995, the Post-Competition Exhibition of the Bolesławiec Photographic Community ’95 was presented. Its driving force is Mikołaj Jankowski. In the cosy interior of the old bastion (the Small Photography Gallery) at 1 Kubika Street, visitors could admire the works of local masters. Instead of offering an opinion, we quote excerpts from the catalogue.
“For an observer of the nearly fifteen-year-long, exceptionally active work of the Bolesławiec Photographic Society, the results of its efforts on behalf of the younger generation of artistic photography enthusiasts are clearly visible. The organisation of another Bolesławiec Photographic Community ’95 competition is proof and an expression of the growing achievements in the art of photography. It presents the authors’ growing self-imposed standards, both in terms of photographic technique and the content of the images. The authors’ awareness of the value of the colour composition of photograms is becoming increasingly apparent.
The exhibition is evidence of the authors’ conscious efforts to preserve from oblivion the qualities of their community and of a town rich in historic monuments, architecture and the beauty of its inhabitants; through artistic reportage, it presents the problems of the residents’ everyday lives.
The colour photograms of the town panorama shown at the exhibition, the charms of its architecture and its valuable details, not devoid of artistic effects, are the original photograms of Mikołaj Jankowski.
The extraordinary sensitivity and reflections of the author of the aesthetically valuable works are revealed in the black-and-white photograms of Jarosław Cembrowicz.
In photographic reportage, Jolanta Szapiel reveals her creative talent by showing unconventional, contemporary problems in young people’s behaviour—young people who are not always aware of the harmfulness of their actions, yet whose situation requires social concern.
The exhibition as a whole is another creative act by the photographic community, deserving attention, dissemination and heartfelt congratulations.”