Labirynt is not a white cube, neither physically nor mentally. Past projects leave their traces, both symbolic and physical, within its space. Art exists in continuous, critical dialogue with reality, which actively shapes the institution’s program, open to the unexpected.

While Labirynt’s history features prominent figures in Polish and international art, 100 Years in Labirynt avoids any sense of ancestor worship. Instead, if there’s a lesson to be learned from the artistic ‘ancestors’ whose works are gathered in the historical section, it is to eschew all forms of unquestioning reverence. The exhibition reminds us that art object’s value lies in its ability to convey attitudes, ideas, and interpersonal connections. Furthermore, it suggests that when faced with a choice between the cold calculations of the art market and the constraints of artistic bureaucracy, a third way is possible.

Is this a universal model for an artistic institution? Perhaps not. Not every gallery can, or should, aspire to be like Labirynt. However, amidst current debates about the future of cultural institutions in Poland, Labirynt stands as an example of an institution actively shaping its future, recognising that the next half-century is already unfolding.

[Stach Szabłowski, excerpt from a text on the exhibition 100 Years in Labirynt]

100 Years in Labirynt

Where: Galeria Labirynt, Popiełuszki 5, Lublin
On view until: 5.01.2025 (Tuesday-Sunday, 13.00-19.00)
Admission: full price 8 PLN, concession 4 PLN
Curator: Waldemar Tatarczuk

The exhibition consists of several parts which are in dialogue with each other, but at the same time create separate worlds. Initially, the parts were: the first 50; the in-between; and the next 50 years. It thus focuses on Galeria Labirynt in the years 1974-2074. Following a historical part presenting the works of artists associated with the gallery in the past half-century, the focus of the exhibition shifts to the present and the future. Due to this fact, through its subsequent chapters, the exhibition becomes a story, an open space—rather than an unchanging object, or a frame frozen in time. After all, we do not aim to celebrate the past—it would contradict the very idea of Galeria Labirynt. Another equally important goal of the the exhibition is an attempt at answering the question on what comes next and what the next 50 years should be like.

Here’s what you can currently see at the 100 Years in Labirynt exhibition:

In-between

The In-between part mainly consists of video works by artists featured in the Gallery’s programme in the past.
Artists: Anna Baumgart, Wojciech Bąkowski, Przemek Branas, Oskar Dawicki, Katarzyna Górna; Barbara Gryka, Julia Golachowska, Jonasz Chlebowski; Sarah Hill, Paweł Korbus, Katarzyna Kozyra, Robert Kuśmirowski, Joanna Rajkowska, R.E.P., Wiktor Stribog, Ala Urwał, Franek Warzywa and Młody Budda, Anna Zaradny

Open Space

During the exhibition’s opening weeks, the visitors could see one room filled with artworks from the Gallery’s first 50 years, as well as from the “in-between” period. The second room was empty, except for remnants of the “Wieniawa Resort” exhibition and some boxes. After four weeks the room was gradually filled with new objects by young artists who answered our open call.
Artists: Katarzyna Bogusz, Stanisława Fidor-Tatarczuk, Konrad Gubała, Kacper Greń and Kuba Szreder, Michał Iwański, Wiktoria Janowska, Alicja Kochanowicz and Maciej Kwietnicki, Kolektyw Łaski, Włodzimierz Maciejczyk, Irena Mykoliv, Weronika Nowojska, Tomek Paszkowicz, Maciej Nowacki, Hanna Shumska, Paula Szymańska, Dominika A. Wasilewska, Gabriela Żylińska
[read more]

Near Dark 2

An exhibition inspired by the 1987 movie Near Dark directed by Kathryn Bigelow. Just like the movie, the exhibition rejects simple genre solutions and focuses on experiencing artistic approaches invested in breaking convention. On searching for alternative forms of expressing one’s personality, negotiating the questions of identity and visibility. The exhibition was awarded the ING Polish Art Foundation’s Special Prize during the 2024 Warsaw Gallery Weekend.
Artists: Eliza Chojnacka, Klaudia Figura, Konrad Gubała, Czaro Malinkiewicz, Paweł Marcinek, Przemysław Piniak, Zuza Piekoszewska, Maria Pietras, Maryna Sakowska, Mikołaj Sobotka, Bartosz Zaskórski
Curator: Przemek Sowiński / galeria Łęctwo
[read more]

You can read more on the already-closed historical part of the exhibition and the accompanying events here.

The exhibition is a part of the project “Galeria Labirynt – from a gallery of paintings to a gallery for people”.
It is co-financed by funds from the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as part of the National Centre for Culture: Culture – Interventions programme, 2024 edition.
Financed by the European Union as part of the National Reconstruction Plan.
Honorary patronage of the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage