Dance. The motif in art from the mid-19th century to the present day

Why do we dance? Out of joy, a need for closeness, a desire for freedom, and sometimes simply to forget about the world for a moment. The exhibition ‘Poruszenie’ explores dance as one of the most fascinating themes in Polish art – from the mid-19th century to the present day.

Alongside Józef Chełmoński’s whirling Oberka and Teodor Axentowicz’s energetic Kołomyjka, the exhibition features works by Leon Chwistek, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Maria Jarema, Edward Dwurnik and Karol Radziszewski. Here, the polonaise meets the tango and the oberek; a folk procession meets ballroom dancing and pogo; and ancient rituals meet the contemporary question of identity and the right to be oneself.

Dance in art speaks of more than just movement. It speaks of us – of how we are together and apart, how we love, celebrate, remember, rebel and pass away. ‘Poruszenie’ is an exhibition about dance, but above all about humanity.

Compiled by: Anna Budzałek

Curator: Anna Budzałek