Collection

  • Artur Żmijewski, Democracies, 2007

In response to a question by Andrzej Wróblewski: "engagement or the autonomy of a work of art?" Artur Żmijewski, in his manifesto Stosowane sztuki społeczne (Applied Social Science) from 2007, says a definitive "yes" to the social engagement of the artist, which does not mean that his artistic activities are thus losing the critical edge. In his monumental and continuously developing Demokracje series, Żmijewski reflects on the nature of contemporary political engagement and itemizes issues which people want to fight for and for the protection of which they are willing to manifest. The postulates are extremely varied and of different gravities, however they are often mutually exclusive. There are no issues absolutely right for all. There are many issues which we would see as absolutely wrong, despite the fact that others would expose themselves to danger to defend them. What is, therefore, contemporary democracy? Can we effectively defend it? Or perhaps there are different recipes for a democracy?

Year: 2007
Medium: 20 documentry films
Format: 145:59

Material: none
Acquisition: gift
Ownership form: collection
Source: Artur Żmijewski
Index: MSN: 4300-5/2010
Acquisition date:

See also

Other Works From That Artist