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ABOUT CULTURE - 02.2008
The passing of Jerzy Kawalerowicz
Jerzy Kawalerowicz, one of the most outstanding directors in the history of Polish cinema, died at the age of 85. Without his films, such as 'Mother Joan of the Angels', 'Pharoah' (nominated to an Oscar), 'Austeria' or 'Quo vadis?', Polish cinematography would be significantly impoverished. In one interview, Kawalerowicz said, 'My films are still being watched today, which means they are not aging. That is a source of pride to me. The greatest compliment for an artist, and particularly for a film-maker, is the acknowledgement that he has created something that stands the test of time.' Jerzy Kawalerowicz was one of the founders of the so-called Polish school of film, which in the 1950s and 1960s drew the attention of viewers around the world with its changeability and new sensibility. In 1998, Jerzy Kawalerowicz's star was unveiled on the Avenue of Stars (modeled on the stars in Hollywood) in Łódź, on Piotrkowska Street. The director was the recipient of many international awards, and had honorary doctorates from several Polish and foreign universities.
Three stars in Poland
Three famous singers will perform in Poland in March: Diana Krall, Casandra Wilson and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Diana Krall, who is promoting her newest album, 'The Very Best of Diana Krall', will sing in Wrocław on March 9th, during the Jazz on the Oder Festival. Next, two other vocalists, Casandra Wilson and Dee Dee Bridgewater, will perform as part of the Jazz Era in Warsaw. This sole appearance in Poland by Dee Dee Bridgewater will draw on her newest album, 'Red Earth,' which was recorded with musicians from Mali, and which has been enthusiastically received by fans and critics. Legendary vocalist Casandra Wilson, along with the excellent saxophonist David Murray, will present their project 'New Black Saint.'
Yoko Ono in Warsaw
Highly controversial and sometimes even shocking and provocative, John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, who is still blamed by some for the breakup of the Beatles, is coming to Poland in September. The artist, a resident of New York, will be in Warsaw on the 5th of September for the opening of a retrospective exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Art (CSW) at the Ujazdowski Castle. While many people might not realize it, Yoko Ono has made avant-garde films, been part of countless performances and happenings, and also takes active part in the international artistic movement Fluxus (with John Cage, among others).
An Oscar for a Pole?
The film 'A gdyby tak się stało' ('If it happens') by Polish director Marcel Łoziński is on the list of eight titles qualified by the American Film Academy for an Oscar in the category of short documentary. The film meets the Academy's requirements: it was shown for a week in one of the cinemas in Los Angeles. It is a continuation of another work by this outstanding Polish documentary film-maker called 'Wszystko moøe si' przytrafiÊ' ('Anything could happen') made in 1995. 'If it happens' has an interesting structure: it takes place in two times. Alongside six-year-old Thomas we also find eighteen-year-old Thomas who converses with himself thanks to the magic of the cinema. The Oscars will be awarded on the 24th of February.
An American film about a Polish priest
A film will be made in Hollywood about priest Jerzy Popiełuszko, who was murdered by the communist secret service in 1984. In the drama, 'Jerzy,' the role of the Polish clergyman will be played by Paul Bettany (our photo), who is known for his performances in 'Wimbledon' and 'The Da Vinci Code.' Juliette Binoche and Stellan Skarsgard will also star in the film. John Irvin, the creator of 'Dogs of War' and a movie about the Polish 1970s, 'Prominent', will direct the film. The script was written by Charles Wood ('Help', 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'). This film will be co-produced by the Polish side. The premiere is expected in the fall. Another Polish film about this heroic priest is expected at the same time. It will be called 'Popiełuszko,' and directed by Rafał Wieczyński.
'The Constitution of the 3rd of May' restored
Four paintings by Jan Matejko (1838 ' 1893), the great Polish historical painter, the artist of the gallery of Polish kings, the master of battle scenery and historical costumes, are being returned to their former glory. His canvas 'Sobieski at Vienna', which portrays the victory of the Polish king over the Turks in 1683, adorns the museum at the Vatican, and his other work, 'The Battle at Grunwald' is the greatest work in Polish painting. The first of four paintings, 'The Constitution of the 3rd of May,' has already been returned, having undergone restoration, and it can be admired at the Royal Castle, where the famous constitution, the first modern one in Europe, and the second in the world (after America's), was enacted in 1791. The painting portrays the ceremonial procession from the Royal Castle to the Cathedral, and the simultaneous declaration of the constitutional document; it has a symbolic character, since both events took place in different places.
What kind of paintings do we like?
For the second time, a collector will present his art collection at the Zachęta Gallery. This time it is Krzysztof Musiał's collection. The exhibition, called 'Portrait, landscape, still life. From Siemiradzki to Czapski,' is like a holiday present for viewers. The Polish public, according to the organizers of the exhibit, enjoys viewing their countrymen's paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which have permanently inscribed themselves on the history and aesthetics of Poles. Around 90 paintings are displayed from Mr. Musiał's collection, which is one of the largest and most interesting private collections of Polish art, particularly from the period up to the outbreak of World War II. The entire collection includes more than 700 works from the mid-19th century, up to contemporary times. The exhibition is on until the 17th of February. It is worth seeing what it is that attracts Poles to their compatriots' paintings.
Jerzy Kawalerowicz, one of the most outstanding directors in the history of Polish cinema, died at the age of 85. Without his films, such as 'Mother Joan of the Angels', 'Pharoah' (nominated to an Oscar), 'Austeria' or 'Quo vadis?', Polish cinematography would be significantly impoverished. In one interview, Kawalerowicz said, 'My films are still being watched today, which means they are not aging. That is a source of pride to me. The greatest compliment for an artist, and particularly for a film-maker, is the acknowledgement that he has created something that stands the test of time.' Jerzy Kawalerowicz was one of the founders of the so-called Polish school of film, which in the 1950s and 1960s drew the attention of viewers around the world with its changeability and new sensibility. In 1998, Jerzy Kawalerowicz's star was unveiled on the Avenue of Stars (modeled on the stars in Hollywood) in Łódź, on Piotrkowska Street. The director was the recipient of many international awards, and had honorary doctorates from several Polish and foreign universities.
Three stars in Poland
Three famous singers will perform in Poland in March: Diana Krall, Casandra Wilson and Dee Dee Bridgewater. Diana Krall, who is promoting her newest album, 'The Very Best of Diana Krall', will sing in Wrocław on March 9th, during the Jazz on the Oder Festival. Next, two other vocalists, Casandra Wilson and Dee Dee Bridgewater, will perform as part of the Jazz Era in Warsaw. This sole appearance in Poland by Dee Dee Bridgewater will draw on her newest album, 'Red Earth,' which was recorded with musicians from Mali, and which has been enthusiastically received by fans and critics. Legendary vocalist Casandra Wilson, along with the excellent saxophonist David Murray, will present their project 'New Black Saint.'
Yoko Ono in Warsaw
Highly controversial and sometimes even shocking and provocative, John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, who is still blamed by some for the breakup of the Beatles, is coming to Poland in September. The artist, a resident of New York, will be in Warsaw on the 5th of September for the opening of a retrospective exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Art (CSW) at the Ujazdowski Castle. While many people might not realize it, Yoko Ono has made avant-garde films, been part of countless performances and happenings, and also takes active part in the international artistic movement Fluxus (with John Cage, among others).
An Oscar for a Pole?
The film 'A gdyby tak się stało' ('If it happens') by Polish director Marcel Łoziński is on the list of eight titles qualified by the American Film Academy for an Oscar in the category of short documentary. The film meets the Academy's requirements: it was shown for a week in one of the cinemas in Los Angeles. It is a continuation of another work by this outstanding Polish documentary film-maker called 'Wszystko moøe si' przytrafiÊ' ('Anything could happen') made in 1995. 'If it happens' has an interesting structure: it takes place in two times. Alongside six-year-old Thomas we also find eighteen-year-old Thomas who converses with himself thanks to the magic of the cinema. The Oscars will be awarded on the 24th of February.
An American film about a Polish priest
A film will be made in Hollywood about priest Jerzy Popiełuszko, who was murdered by the communist secret service in 1984. In the drama, 'Jerzy,' the role of the Polish clergyman will be played by Paul Bettany (our photo), who is known for his performances in 'Wimbledon' and 'The Da Vinci Code.' Juliette Binoche and Stellan Skarsgard will also star in the film. John Irvin, the creator of 'Dogs of War' and a movie about the Polish 1970s, 'Prominent', will direct the film. The script was written by Charles Wood ('Help', 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'). This film will be co-produced by the Polish side. The premiere is expected in the fall. Another Polish film about this heroic priest is expected at the same time. It will be called 'Popiełuszko,' and directed by Rafał Wieczyński.
'The Constitution of the 3rd of May' restored
Four paintings by Jan Matejko (1838 ' 1893), the great Polish historical painter, the artist of the gallery of Polish kings, the master of battle scenery and historical costumes, are being returned to their former glory. His canvas 'Sobieski at Vienna', which portrays the victory of the Polish king over the Turks in 1683, adorns the museum at the Vatican, and his other work, 'The Battle at Grunwald' is the greatest work in Polish painting. The first of four paintings, 'The Constitution of the 3rd of May,' has already been returned, having undergone restoration, and it can be admired at the Royal Castle, where the famous constitution, the first modern one in Europe, and the second in the world (after America's), was enacted in 1791. The painting portrays the ceremonial procession from the Royal Castle to the Cathedral, and the simultaneous declaration of the constitutional document; it has a symbolic character, since both events took place in different places.
What kind of paintings do we like?
For the second time, a collector will present his art collection at the Zachęta Gallery. This time it is Krzysztof Musiał's collection. The exhibition, called 'Portrait, landscape, still life. From Siemiradzki to Czapski,' is like a holiday present for viewers. The Polish public, according to the organizers of the exhibit, enjoys viewing their countrymen's paintings from the 19th and early 20th centuries, which have permanently inscribed themselves on the history and aesthetics of Poles. Around 90 paintings are displayed from Mr. Musiał's collection, which is one of the largest and most interesting private collections of Polish art, particularly from the period up to the outbreak of World War II. The entire collection includes more than 700 works from the mid-19th century, up to contemporary times. The exhibition is on until the 17th of February. It is worth seeing what it is that attracts Poles to their compatriots' paintings.
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Information published at 4 February 2008