by Bernard M. Adamowicz, initiator and author of the exhibition
September 4, 2014 – The “Polish medallists. My John Paul II” exhibition was hold from the 23rd of June to the 21st of July at the Royal Castle in Warsaw.
The project’s logo by H. Baca. Copyright ® B.M. Adamowicz 2014.
This unique event featured over 70, most distinguished Polish medallists, describing their personal associations with the person and work of John Paul II.
A view into the new exhibition. Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
The exhibition was enriched with selected works of medallic art – over 200 medallions of prominent Polish and foreign artists, which are the recollection of the history of the pontificate and work of John Paul II. The event was organised under the Honorary Patronage of the Metropolitan Bishop of Warsaw, His Eminence Most Reverend Kazimierz Cardinal Nycz. The exhibition had been developed in cooperation with the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the Museum of Pope John Paul II and Primate Stefan Wyszynski and the ‘WORK’ Association of Graduates run by the “Work of the New Millennium” Foundation. The exhibition was staged under the support of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.
After the opening ceremony the exhibition was immediately filled with interested visitors. Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
The works – dedicated to the commemoration of the events of the pontificate – have been made since the beginning of John Paul II’s papal service. Medallions were created on special occasions such as papal pilgrimages, anniversaries, granting of papal patronage to institutions etc., becoming works of occasion specific character.
Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
The occasions – providing a kind of ‘prothesis’ – have, on the one side helped the artist with the incorporation of a given theme, but on the other have also been a limitation. What is left is a personal reflection about the Person, work and inheritance of John Paul II. The above thoughts have been a starting point of the idea to turn to Polish sculptor and medallion artists with the invitation to personally take on-board the theme of the exhibition. This is how the idea for the project was born.
Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
The collection, consists of works of over 70 Polish, contemporary medallic artists, who, specifically for this occasion created masterpieces dedicated to the memory of John Paul II. The artists have reached deeply into those experiences which have marked their lives. Often these were flashes of defining moments that took place many years ago. The medallions have become a memory of those moments. Some of the featured artists chose to symbolically illustrate the impact of John Paul II on their own existence.
Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
At the same time, a group of invited artists demonstrated the high standard and world renowned level of the Polish medallic school. Many of the featured creators are academic teachers of Polish art universities, members of the prestigious, international, medallic federation FIDEM and laureates of international sculpture and medallion competitions.
Photo: M. Adamowicz jr.
The exhibition presenting a created collection, and a catalogue were enriched by display of selected works of medallic art. Over 200 featured medallions created by Polish and international artists were an obvious context for the “Polish medallists. My John Paul II” collection. In this way we are also able to recall the history and the legacy of John Paul II, the Polish Pope.
If you plan to visit the museum take a look at the website of the Warsaw Royal Castle.
And, in case you understand Polish, go to Bernard Adamowicz’s blog.