Exhibition Opening: “There Will Be No Second Spring… Children and Art in the 20th and 21st Centuries” featuring young proteges of the Omenaa Foundation

Young proteges from the Omenaa Foundation took part in the opening of the exhibition “There Will Be No Second Spring… Children and Art in the 20th and 21st Centuries” For several months, they had collaborated with its curator Joanna Kordjak and architect Maciej Siuda.

The Beginning

At the Omenaa Foundation, we emphasise a well-rounded education, ensuring that our young talents have the opportunity to explore their interests across various fields. The art education project led by the Zachęta National Gallery of Art complements the foundation in promoting education, tolerance, and cooperation. Through direct involvement in numerous meetings, our proteges not only refined their artistic sensibilities but also gained a multi-faceted understanding of the art-making process.

Art Workshops

The workshops were hosted by curator Joanna Kordjak and architect Maciej Siuda. Joanna ensured a high level of engagement, explaining nuances and essential art concepts to the young participants. Maciej, on the other hand, adopted a holistic approach focusing primarily on the emotions the children experienced during the sessions. The friendly atmosphere and carefully chosen locations influenced the creative growth of our proteges. While exploring the hidden corners of Zachęta – National Gallery of Art, the children personally selected materials and exhibits to be featured in the exhibition. In Maciej Siuda’s atmospheric studio, they worked individually and in groups. The young participants’ project of crafting Mr. Kleks’ head deserves special recognition. The exhibition space was designed so visitors could watch a film about the adventures of the wizard and his students while immersed in Ambroży Kleks’ head. This unique setup allows exhibition-goers to fully engage with the emotions evoked during the screening.

The Opening

The opening took place on 30th March 2023. Thanks to Zofia Koźniewska’s kindness, our proteges enjoyed an exclusive tour of the exhibition. As they navigated each room, they studied the exhibits with curiosity and diligence, exploring the beautiful and sometimes challenging history of children and young people’s engagement in the creative process across the 20th and 21st centuries. Following the opening, the children took part in the official part of the event, attended by numerous distinguished guests, such as ambassadors from Austria, Norway, and Romania, contributing artists, and representatives from academic and artistic institutions. Lively discussions about the exhibition, co-created by our gifted youngsters, filled the corridors.

Lights, Camera, Action!

We couldn’t really do without a film crew at the opening ceremony, just to make sure our proteges felt like true stars. The camera followed them not only during the formal gathering but also as they eagerly traversed the gallery with beaming faces, seeing how their ideas had been integrated into the exhibition. The cherry on top was the interviews with the children, who appeared utterly at ease in front of the camera! It was through these conversations that we discovered several budding actors amongst our proteges, whose talents we have committed to nurture.

To be continued…

The series of artistic workshops at the Zachęta building offered an extraordinary experience for all involved. During the sessions, the children expanded their knowledge of art and learned to work in groups but also enjoyed the ideal setting to cultivate their sensitivity, foster tolerance for others and their emotions as well as respect the boundaries set by others. Thanks to the National Gallery of Zachęta, our next gathering promises to be a one-of-a-kind affair. Our skilled youth have been invited to night workshops, where they will be able to immerse themselves in the unique evening ambience of the Gallery and spend their time generating innovative ideas that, as we know, often come to creative minds during their sleep – an endless source of inspiration.