Aleksander Janicki: Poles – Their Own Portraits 2022–2025

On July 18, 2025, MOCAK began collecting objects that paint a portrait of solidarity with refugees. It is a testimony to the attitude of specific people at a specific time: the action of the residents of Krakow for others – the citizens of war-torn Ukraine. After the onslaught of the full-scale war in Ukraine, thousands of people found a temporary home in Poland. To the surprise of the world’s media, rather than being rehoused in refugee camps, the incomers were put up by Poles in their own homes.

A portrayal of this phenomenon is long overdue. The exhibition at MOCAK is a testimony to the actions of people of goodwill who shared with strangers something most precious, their home – its sense of security and comfort, but also their own privacy. The pilot exhibition Poles – Their Own Portraits 2022–2025 is an attempt at such a portrayal. Its title was inspired by another exhibition that opened on October 5, 1979 at the National Museum in Krakow and which remains one of the most important events in the history of Polish museums. That exhibition brought together nearly a thousand exhibits – paintings from different eras, which, representing Poles and what it means to be Polish, created a symbolic self-portrait of the nation. In 1979, the title of the exhibition referred to Poles’ collective identity. Today, we evoke it in a different context. We are showing not portraits as such, but testimonies and memorabilia, which underpin a portrayal of a community, based on the experiences of specific individuals in a specific predicament.

Polish families who, in solidarity, opened their doors to the refugees, retain mementos of that spontaneous gesture. It deserves not to be forgotten, especially in times when ordinary manifestations of human solidarity and humanitarianism are portrayed in a negative light. They have to confront a manipulated image created by the media and the internet, which is based on fear and serves populism and the development of nationalist attitudes.

Discrimination against refugees relies on dehumanising them; in contrast, this exhibition aims to show the best in people – the impulse of solidarity towards those in need. Regardless of their race, origin or cultural affiliation.

Poles – Their  Own Portraits 2022–2025 is a present-day panorama, spun around objects that carry sentimental value, often transcending the emotions that accompany those forced to flee their country.  The exhibition has a metaphorical dimension. It is our deeds that combine to create our portrait – the door that opens, the meal served, the invitation to share our space.

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The exhibition involves strong flashing lights, fast-moving text, bold contrast, and loud noise.

The part of the exhibition on the upper floor of the gallery is only accessible by steep stairs, not suitable for some viewers.