The 9Sił Foundation presents its latest project, "Living Paintings," which will be showcased at the European Agricultural Forum. This unique initiative features residents of the Jeleśnia commune reenacting iconic works of Polish painting, highlighting their timeless nature in the context of the modern countryside.
The project was inspired by the paintings of Józef Chełmoński, Aleksander Gierymski, Wlastimil Hofman, Jacek Malczewski, and Antoni Piotrowski—artists who captured the spirit of the Polish countryside, its rhythm of life, beauty, and mystery in their works. The project bridges history with the present, paying tribute to painting while also demonstrating how much of its message remains relevant today.
The catalog features nine photographic reconstructions of classic artworks, created in the natural landscapes of the Jeleśnia commune. After its completion, additional diptychs were made, bringing the total number of painting-photograph pairings to 13. Each photograph is a contemporary interpretation of a well-known painting—where modernity intertwines with tradition, showcasing the countryside in its timeless yet ever-evolving character.
The "Living Paintings" project is a tribute to the Polish countryside—its people, landscapes, daily life, mythology, and the values that have remained the foundation of its identity for centuries. It also highlights the strength and vitality of folk culture, whose elements continue to captivate and inspire artists and local communities.
We invite you to discover this extraordinary exhibition and see the countryside through the lens of great painting—both through the eyes of past masters and contemporary residents.
