The works of Alicja Biała from the „Poland” series consist of symbols, motifs and emblems that construct the collective identity of Poles. The artist uses photos she finds on the Internet, family archives, press clippings, as well as own photos taken for the project. The image of Poland on the Biała’s photo collages does not look very optimistic: „cut up and glued just anyhow, on the hangover, on a knee, chaotically. And it is not known how come it is still held”- says the artist.
Alicja Biala’s photo montages as „Polish cut-outs” were created independently of the poems of Marcin Świetlicki, as separate narratives, and finally, compose a book published this year by the Wolno Publishing House. The project "Poland without offense", referring to the celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Poland regaining its independence, became a continuation of „Polish cut-outs”. Referring to the tradition of peregrination, the selected works are travelling across the country. Many people have joined the campaign, including well-known cultural and political figures. The images have visited, among others, Krystyna Janda, Olga Tokarczuk, Katarzyna Nosowska, Robert Biedroń. Alicja Biała sums up her intentions: „It was important to me that these works travel and cause talks about Poland, but also let us distance TO ourselves. Because Poles – quite unnecessarily – are very touchy on their own Polishness. Let these works make you smile or reflection”.
The exhibition at Leica 6×7 Gallery Warsaw not only will present the originals of photo collages, both those published and unpublished in the book „Poland (a set of patriotic songs)”, but also the new works that have been created recently. The exhibition will also include ‘the images’ wandering around the country. Their long journey and numerous adventures will be presented through a site-specific installation prepared especially for the exhibition.
ALICJA BIAŁA – an illustrator, graphic designer, visual artist. Graduated from Via University College and The Copenhagen School of Design and Technology in Denmark. At present she continues her education at The Royal College of Art in London. Her illustrations are regularly published, among others in Denmark, Poland, Germany, China and Australia. She is also an author of murals which are placed in Poland, Portugal, Mexico, USA – her latest work was created a few months ago in Kassel, Germany for the 14th edition of the contemporary art exhibition Documenta. The most recent individual exhibitions were held in Santa Barbara Center for Art, Science and Technology in California and Mute Gallery in Lisbon. The choice of the poems by Marcin Świetlicki Poland (a set of patriotic songs) is the first book with her works.
Alicja Biała, „Poland”
Opening: 26.07 (Thursday), 7 PM
On display: 27.07.2018 – 22.09.2018
Curator: Monika Proniewska
Accompanying programme:
Meeting: Alicja Biała – Marcin Świetlicki, 27.07.2018 (Friday). 6 PM
Leica 6×7 Gallery Warsaw, Mysia 3, 2nd floor
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10AM-8PM, Working Sundays 12AM-6PM
Free admission