OUR LAST PORTRAITS 2

Postwar Settlers. A Portrait Collage of Lower Silesia.

This project is a collection of painted portraits of the last representatives of the generation that arrived in Lower Silesia as a result of World War II. These individuals were displaced from the eastern territories, re-emigrated to the regained lands, or settled in the region for economic reasons. The series expands on a portrait project developed years ago, in which patterned curtains, tablecloths, and various fabric scraps—marked by the passage of time and found in homes or second-hand shops—gain an unusual application.

The unconventional use of multicolored fabrics as a painting base and the inclusion of botanical motifs aim to evoke in our imagination the image of old provinces adorned with patterned houses, decorated walls, windows with floral curtains, embroidery, and traditional clothing—elements that are becoming increasingly exotic in today’s landscape. The figures emerging from the backgrounds, blending seamlessly into the fabric’s layered textures, create a complete image—both visually and symbolically. The culture of former communities is fading, becoming archaic. The magical, colorful folklore—full of mysterious tales, loud songs, and traditions—is also disappearing. The artist embarked on a journey to discover the oldest, still-living testimonies of past cultures and to capture the stories etched into the faces of Lower Silesia’s village and small-town residents, whose backgrounds, experiences, and traditions are deeply diverse due to their displacement.

The project’s title, “Our Last Portraits”(Ostatnie “Naszych” Portrety in polish), is not coincidental. The word “LAST” serves as a call to attention, emphasizing the vanishing generation, while the pronoun “OUR” symbolizes our shared identity and cultural heritage. At exhibitions, alongside the paintings, short notations about the portrayed individuals were presented, explaining the complexity of this social fabric and its influence on shaping the modern character of the region. In addition to its artistic dimension, this project serves as a reminder of these values. For younger generations, it provides an educational experience, illustrating the region’s history through personal narratives and art. Viewers can feel part of this heritage, even if they are not its direct heirs.

This part of the project was carried out within the framework of the 2024 Creative Scholarship of the Minister of Culture and National Heritage in the field of visual arts.