Woodcut – a dialogue with tradition | Exhibition of woodcuts and linocuts by Pracownia Kraska
About
The exhibition focuses on the traditional printing method known as woodcut, as well as its modern version called linocut. Woodcut matrices revolutionised the art world by enabling artists to reproduce their works and distribute them on a larger scale. This technique became widely used in printing and book publishing, enhancing entire editions with stunning illustrations. Woodcut also made its mark in rural areas, where it became popular among folk artists. With easy access to wood, many of these artists embraced the art of creating their works using this technique. The prints produced from wooden matrices were then sold at indulgence fairs, allowing their art to reach a wider audience.
In our exhibition, we celebrate the charm of folk art, sometimes naive and simple, and at times, delightfully playful, all presented with a playful wink. The woodcut artworks featured here draw inspiration from folk proverbs, borrowed from the rich collection of the renowned Polish ethnographer, Oskar Kolberg. We also showcase depictions of saints, adding a touch of grace.
But that’s not all – we also proudly present linocut works, echoing the essence of folk creativity and the stories that go hand in hand with it. These linocuts have been featured in our published books, serving as illustrations for titles such as “Songs of Chills: Terrifying, Murderous, and Mysterious Polish Folk Songs” and “Devils, Demons, Devils, and Evil Spirits”. Our aim is to offer more than just a folk perspective on art. We want to showcase its connection and dialogue with the contemporary world through new editions and publications.
Details
Where: Gardzienice Gallery, Grodzka 5a – 1st floor
When: 18-25 August 2023, 11.00-17.00 (during the Festival, the exhibition is open until 19.00)
Exhibition opening: : 17 August 2023 (Thursday), 18.00
Admission free
The exhibition is part of “The Summer School of Tradition” project, organised by Kultura Enter Foundation. The project has been made possible with the support of the City of Lublin.
About
Kamila Sobczak was born in 1995 in Toruń. She graduated from High School no. 1 in Toruń, where she specialised in the arts. In 2019, she defended her master’s thesis in graphic design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. In 2019, she completed her master’s thesis in graphic design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Since 2021, she has owned Pracownia Kraska. Kamila is passionate about illustrated books, folk art, and fashion history. She also creates linocuts and paints pictures. She is the author of the book “Devils, Demons, Devils, and Evil Spirits” (Polish: “Diabły, demony, czarty i biesy”) and a co-author of the publication “Songs of Horror” (Polish: “Pieśni Grozy”)
Jakub Sobczak was born in Suwałki in 1995. He graduated from Artur Grottger High School of Arts and Crafts in Supraśl. In 2020, he completed his master’s thesis in graphic design at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń. Since 2020, he has been working as an assistant at the Department of Graphic Design at the same university. Jakub has a passion for posters and illustrated books.He finds endless inspiration in the vibrant traditions of folk art and the intricate threads of historical graphic techniques. He also practises icon painting and his religious art can be found in private homes, churches, and Orthodox churches. He is the co-founder of Pracownia Kraska. Jakub is the author of “Podlasie Legends of 5 Cultures” (Polish: “Podlaskie Legend 4 Kultur”) and a co-author of “Songs of Horror” (Polish: “Pieśni Grozy”).
About the Studio
Pracownia Kraska is a creative space where we dedicate ourselves to crafting artworks that pay homage to the beauty of folk art and Polish folklore. Our artistic pursuits span a diverse range of disciplines, including classical painting, iconography, glass painting, graphic design, and various forms of illustration such as woodcuts and linocuts. We also embrace a wide array of craftsmanship. Our artistic endeavours extend to the realm of illustrated books, which are deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Polish folk art. Each creation that emerges from our studio is a testament to our devotion and fascination with the folklore of our homeland. In our works, we draw inspiration from the wellspring of religiosity, tradition, and the enduring legacy of the Polish countryside.