This exhibition showcases original prints by Sylwester „Kris” Braun, a key photographer of the Warsaw Uprising, exploring how biographical accounts become historical narratives. It also sheds light on Berta Weissberger, Braun's assistant. The exhibition is part of the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising.
The exhibition "Sylwester „Kris” Braun. Fotograf od powstania" at the Museum of Warsaw presents original prints by Sylwester „Kris” Braun, whose photographs are among the most important documents of the Warsaw Uprising. The exhibition delves into the relationship between biographical accounts and historical narration, and highlights the role of Berta Weissberger, Braun's assistant, who was also a photographer. Braun, a member of the Home Army (Armia Krajowa), documented the uprising with his Leica camera, capturing iconic images of battles, ruins, and moments of daily life. Despite the loss of most of his negatives, some were recovered, and his work gained wider recognition later in life, with a significant collection of his negatives donated to the Museum of Warsaw.
The exhibition and an accompanying publication delve into the complex journey of Braun's photographs, from their creation during the intense period of the uprising to their rediscovery and integration into historical narratives. The curatorial approach, led by Piotr Głogowski, aims to reconstruct the photographer's routes through Warsaw, analyze his technique, and understand how documentary photography transforms into a widely recognized story of the uprising. The exhibition emphasizes that Braun's work is not just a record of events but also a carefully composed series that captures the micro-daily life of the capital, including heroic, joyful, and tragic moments. The rediscovery of Berta Weissberger's contribution adds another layer to the understanding of historical narratives and their creators.