Zbigniew Dłubak, "Stadion", 1955, © Armelle Dłubak/Fundacja Archeologii Fotografii
Before the stadium was harnessed by the government's propaganda machine and became a major flagship for budding socialism in the late 1950s, there were grand ambitions and ideals of the stadium. Discovered in the artist's estate as late as 2009, these photographs capture that spirit of fervent teamwork and artistic activity
The Foundation of Archaology Photography takes a look back at the history of Warsaw's iconic stadium as Europe prepares for Poland to host the Euro 2012 Cup in the state-of-the-art stadium built on the rubble of the old
When construction launched on the XX Anniversary Stadium in 1954, it was a source of immense joy for a population whose city had been raised to the ground by the Nazis just a decade before. Eminent artists and architects were engaged to create a special design for the edifice, including the newly-formed 55 Group, who were to create a ceramic frieze around the crown, along with Zbigniew Dłubak and his fellow artist Marian Bogusz. Dłubak quickly set to taking photographs of the final stages of construction. These 30 photographs are the basis for the current exhibition.
The exhibition is among many more events this year to celebrate the opening of a new stadium just in time for Europe's premier football cup this summer. The photographs have been compiled into an album, also presented during the exhibition.
Zbigniew Dłubak (1921-2005) is considered a great authority in post-war Polish photography, with his avant-garde practice shaping the inspiration for many generations of artists since the end of '50s through today. He was elf-taught art theoretician, painter and photographer well-known for his work in surrealism and geometric referencing.
There are several events accompanying the exhibition, such as a workshop in collage photography and other activities on the 17th of March, and a meeting with Grzegorz Piątek and Karolina Lewandowska to promote the album on the 29th of March.
The exhibition runs between the 8th of March - 1st of April 2012 at the Kordegarda Gallery.
Curator: Karolina Lewandowska
Kordegarda
ul. Krakowskie Przedmieście 15/17
www.archeologiafotografii.pl
Source: Foundation of Archaology Photography
Editor: Agnieszka Le Nart