This exhibition showcases over 100 photographs by Marian Schmidt, a prominent photographer and educator, taken during his travels across Poland from the mid-1970s. The works capture the atmosphere of the PRL era, highlighting societal changes and the human condition through expressive, painterly compositions.
The exhibition 'Inside Poland. Marian Schmidt. Fotografie' presents more than 100 works by the distinguished photographer and educator Marian Schmidt, captured during his journeys through Poland starting in the mid-1970s. The collection includes reportage photographs from the 1970s, contemporary images of Poland, and deeply personal, timeless photographs from the artist's family archive. These black-and-white images evoke the atmosphere of the People's Republic of Poland and illustrate the transformations our country has undergone over the decades. Schmidt's photographs are more than just documentary records; they are personal narratives about life and the human condition, featuring painterly compositions that stir a range of emotions from joy to melancholy.
Schmidt, born in Żyrardów in 1945, has an extensive exhibition history, with over sixty prestigious shows internationally. His work is held in collections worldwide, including the Kodak-Pathé in Paris and the National Museum in Gdańsk. After studying mathematics and pursuing a career in science, he transitioned to film and photography, influenced by figures like Jiddu Krishnamurti. He first returned to Poland in 1974, working with the "Kadr" film unit and collaborating with various publications. The core of this exhibition stems from his photographic documentation of Poland between 1974 and 1978, capturing sociological, religious, and political themes, as well as intimate scenes of daily life. This period also led to his representation by major photo agencies like Black Star and Rapho. Now a respected educator, Schmidt teaches at the Warsaw School of Photography and Graphic Design, continuing his exploration of image phenomenology and expression in art and photography.