Guided tour in English: exhibition Nostalgia: Seekers of Fading Stars

The geopolitical situation, armed conflicts, including the full-scale war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and their impact on the economy and inflation, have created a sense of destabilisation and pessimism about the future. Bold, utopian visions have been superseded by nostalgia, uneasily in tune with reality. Nostalgia – a feeling predicated on loss – is pivoted on ambivalent reflection that can splinter into longing and belonging. Svetlana Boym defined it not only as a ‘longing for a home that no longer exists or never existed’, but also as a ‘love affair with one’s own fantasy’.

The exhibition, which includes the works of 22 artists associated with Kraków, representing the generation born between 1979 and 2001, is like a smile through tears – an attempt to conceal, yet also alleviate sorrow. The paintings, installations and sculptures on display were created as an attempt to create a safe haven for memories and soothing recollections from childhood.

Some of the artists focus on robust storytelling, others seek abstract formal solutions to create immersive spaces. The exhibition is meant to be a journey to the carefree times of childhood, when we were bursting with energy and curiosity and our imaginarium was created by the Lion King and Bouli – just as real as the view from the backyard or the school corridor.

Led by: Julia Jewszel – educator, currently studying two MA courses at the Jagiellonian University, related to arts and culture management. She has been involved in improving the accessibility of culture for three years and is currently researching cultural heritage. Co-founder of the Wielostany art collective. She collaborates with MOCAK as an educator.

Admission included in the ticket price. No advance booking required. Participants are requested to turn up at the MOCAK Reception five minutes before the tour. The estimated tour time is 90 minutes.