The opening of the exhibition “The Photography Movement in Bolesławiec after 1945” was attended by many outstanding Bolesławiec photographers. The ceremony was honored by the presence of guests of honor: Jolanta Wilkońska and Jerzy Wiklendt from the Karkonosze Branch of the Association of Polish Art Photographers.
During the opening, speeches were delivered by: Mikołaj Jankowski (exhibition curator, president of BTF), Janusz Moniatowicz (exhibition curator, member of ZPAF), Andrzej Pytliński (photography instructor, longtime head of the Photographic Section at the “Bolesławianka” Housing Cooperative) and Grzegorz Matoryn (president of the “Camera” Photographic Association).
During the ceremony, the Mayor of Bolesławiec honored people who, over the years, had made a special contribution to the development and promotion of photography. Posthumously honored were: Alojzy Skorupa, Edward Opała, Henryk Piotrowski, Bolesław Marecki, Jan Stępkowski and Stanisław Kondratowicz. The certificates were presented to the families of the deceased.
In addition, honors were received by: Mikołaj Jankowski, Andrzej Pytliński, Janusz Moniatowicz, Grzegorz Matoryn, Halina Terelak, Jana Trawniczek, Jerzy Cembrowicz, Michał Twerd, Wiesław Gruszka, Mieczysław Kozłowski, Jan Domaradzki, Stanisław Graczyk, Rudolf Smusz, Jolanta Szapiel, Mirosław Węgrzanowski, Leszek Żukrowski, Piotr Markiewicz, Paweł Kijewski, Sławomir Guzowski, Tomasz Wojtasiewicz, Jolanta Zuchniewicz, Roman Hryciów, Jerzy Paluszczyszyn, Grzegorz Sidorowicz, Adam Wojewódka, Paweł Brzezicki, Mirosław Woźniak, Dariusz Gulowaty, Robert Pomichter, Regina Nachacz, Sławomir Głowacki, Jarosław Cembrowicz, Grzegorz Klementowski, Jarosław Poliwka, Magdalena Konieczna, Krzysztof Jędrzejczyk and Mariusz Ryż.
The exhibition presents photographic collections depicting the changes Bolesławiec has undergone over the years—from postwar destruction and the city’s reconstruction, through the creation of new residential districts, to contemporary events. These photographs are special, however. They were taken exclusively by local photographers. Consequently, they are not merely documentary in character, but present a subjective, often impressionistic image of the world. The city shown in them is the beauty of its architecture, but also a place of upbringing and residence; it is its people and events, and above all feelings and emotions. These are photographs that capture the life of the city and its residents.
The exhibition includes photographic works by Bolesławiec residents who have since passed away, including R. and A. Skorupa, H. Piotrowski, E. Opała, St. Kondratowicz and B. Marecki. It also features photographs by current members of the prestigious Association of Polish Art Photographers: Janusz Moniatowicz, Jolanta Józefiak (now Zuchniewicz) and Roman Hryciów. In addition, visitors can view photograms by members of BTF, including its president, Mikołaj Jankowski.
The exhibition is complemented by posters, catalogs and other items connected with Bolesławiec’s photography movement over the years. Part of the exhibition space has been arranged as a studio and photographic darkroom.
The exhibition can be visited until November 20, 2011.
(information: Museum of Ceramics/ii)