This exhibition explores the work of Leon Kudła, a prominent figure in post-war Polish unprofessional art. It showcases his sculptures, including pieces from the National Museum of Ethnography's collection and a deposit from the Museum of Warsaw, highlighting his connection with sculptor Karol Tchorek.
The exhibition "'Prymityw' z Powiśla. Leon Kudła 1879-1964" delves into the artistic legacy of Leon Kudła, recognized as one of the most significant representatives of unprofessional art in post-war Poland. Kudła's work is presented as a record of the flourishing of non-professional art in that era, a phenomenon often perceived as spontaneous but which, in reality, was shaped by collectors' activities and urban cultural trends.
The displayed artworks originate from the collections of the National Museum of Ethnography (PME) and a deposit from the Museum of Warsaw (MMW). Notably, some pieces were part of the collection from the studio of sculptor Karol Tchorek, a long-time friend of Leon Kudła. Tchorek, an influential figure in post-war Polish art as a dealer and animator of artistic life, was deeply attached to these works, considering them his favorites and hesitating to part with them. Critics often referred to him as Kudła's 'discoverer,' 'guardian,' 'benefactor,' and 'promoter.'
Born in Świerże Górne near Kozienice, Leon Kudła began sculpting in Warsaw's Powiśle district, where he worked at the post office and ran a family shop. Despite early exhibition successes, he later returned to his native region. There, he crafted monumental figures of saints and oversized birds from poplar wood. Critics frequently compared Kudła's artistic persona to that of Nikifor, positioning them as the "most outstanding" Polish naive artists. The exhibition aims to reintroduce this remarkable artist and encourage a fresh interpretation of both his art and the narratives surrounding him, fostering reflection on how folk artists are perceived in ethnology and how the discipline itself constructs portraits of the 'Other.'
