Enchantment - an exhibition you will not forget
"Enchantment" a story about light and imagination
The opening of the exhibition "Enchantment" by Konrad Kulczynski - a professional filmmaker, animator, editor, photographer, author of many documentaries, artistic and experimental films - was one of the main points of the second edition of Bydgoszcz Design Days 2023, of which we were an official sponsor.
Placing the exhibition at the center of this event should come as no surprise, as no one in Poland has ever talked about light in this way before. Light and imagination, right next to the work of Wieslaw Krysiak, whose works were one of the main inspirations for its creator, are the leitmotifs around which the subsequent stations of "Enchantment" were built.
In fact, this exhibition, which is an experience for all the senses, invites you to travel and reflect on the role of light, its impact on our well-being and what changes it undergoes. As lovers of light, we proudly took on the role of patron of the exhibition, which you can see at the Rothera Mills in Bydgoszcz until the end of January 2024. Intrigued? Listen to what its creator, Konrad Kulczynski, says about the exhibition.
What it talks about "Enchantment"?
"Enchantment," is a story of light and imagination. On how light, throughout history, has influenced and continues to influence the mass imagination. From the symbolic single photon - split light rays - to images generated by so-called "artificial intelligence.". We tell the story of human fascination with what glows.
If you had to encourage people to visit the exhibition in a few words, what would you tell them?
"Enchantment" is an exhibition that was created to be experienced in a sensitive, individual way, full of light, music and sounds - created by a great musician - Ola Walicki. The exhibition is distinguished by the fact that it was conceived as a story, has its own specific dramatic structure, its turning points and climaxes. I also hope it makes you think about the human-technology relationship.
What was the most difficult part of preparing the exhibition?
The most difficult part was the production and assembly stage of the exhibition itself. Many objects and technical solutions, required an experimental approach. It was a time-consuming process and involved a lot of great people.
How did you combine your own work with that of Wieslaw Krysiak, whose works were, in a way, the inspiration for the exhibition?
Wieslaw Krysiak's work was for me a starting point, a contribution to dialogue, an inspiration. I knew from the very beginning that the task set before me - to refer to his work - could not turn into a "laurel", that it must be an attempt to create something new, with reference to what is past.
The motive that allowed such an effect was a quote from Wieslaw Krysiak - "Glass that enchants". On this I based my further deliberations and conceptual work in creating the exhibition.
What was the idea behind the last part of the exhibition, the "White box"?
In my conception, "White box" was meant to be a bulge that follows the climax that happens in the previous station - "AI Spiral.". It was to be a place of solace and reflection, a place of tranquility, devoid of any unnecessary stimuli.
On the other hand, some visitors also had associations with a psychiatric hospital ward ;) Well, perhaps this is such a bitter reflection on our current mental condition and how the balance of our relationship with new technologies is.
Photo. Konrad Kulczynski
What to pay special attention to when visiting the exhibition? Are there any special treats hidden in there?
There are a lot of "flavors" in the exhibition, especially when it comes to sound, but also the visual layer. I encourage you to look at objects from different perspectives, perceive it individually and look for your own contexts.
Thank you!
As a patron of the exhibition, we hope we have been able to encourage you to visit Bydgoszcz and Rothera Mills, and delve into this sensory journey through light - from ray to "white box", and if you need more encouragement or want to see the exhibition now, watch the curatorial video Here or take a virtual walk through the exhibition thanks to the Bochinski Foundation and the Design to Go service HERE.
See you at Rothera Mills!
Photo. Konrad Kulczynski