Krajewska's photo project opened new horizons of thinking about the past and about memory. Its premises were consciously followed up by the next generation of artists only after 2000. On the other hand, the numerous album publications of the 60s, 70s, and 80s devoted to concentration camps accentuated the universal dimension of martyrology rather than made an actual reference to the subject of Shoah, the extinction of the Jews.
Krajewska's book, being one of the first to tackle these themes, is highly nostalgic. Her photographs are accompanied by poems written by Jerzy Ficowski, Antoni Słonimski, Anna Kamieńska, and others. Krajewska's photo frames are nevertheless varied and far from an inventory routine, forming a collection that is free from the typological style. The whole project, comprising black and white photographs combined with simple typography set against black background, and raw printing that was typical of the time (the third grade offset paper print was completed in December 1982), is suggestive and dramatic. The uncoated – probably due to material shortage – cover and the poorly bound block have made the book fragile and susceptible to wear and tear, which also means that, despite a vast print run, it is currently difficult to find a copy of Czas kamieni in impeccable collector's condition.
photographs: Monika Krajewska
introduction: Anna Kamieńska
graphic design: Hubert Hilscher
publisher: Interpress, Warsaw
year of publication: 1982
volume: 202 pages
format: 27.5 x 27.5 cm
cover: cardboard hardcover
print run: 40 000