On 19 November 2025, The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim hosted an educational session devoted to the rich and deeply expressive work of Tadeusz Makowski—an outstanding artist born in Oświęcim. The event brought together art enthusiasts, local residents, participants and staff of the Adult Day Care Center in Oświęcim, as well as school students. It offered a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of a painter whose distinctive style holds a special place in 20th-century Polish art.
A lecture on the artist’s creative journey
The first part of the session featured a lecture by Światosław Lenartowicz, curator in the Department of Contemporary Art at the National Museum in Kraków and a researcher of Makowski’s work. The speaker presented the evolution of the artist’s style—from his early works inspired by his teachers, particularly Jan Stanisławski, through his fascination with Cubism and the influence of Flemish masters, to his most characteristic compositions depicting children, musicians, and craftsmen, where his unique artistic language fully emerged. Through the works presented, participants were able to trace the development of Makowski’s artistic sensitivity and the changing sources of his inspiration.
The collector’s perspective and audience discussion
The second part of the session was a talk by Prof. Jerzy Stelmach of the Jagiellonian University, who introduced the rarely discussed perspective of an art collector. The Professor spoke about his long-standing fascination with Tadeusz Makowski, dating back to his childhood. He emphasized the importance of “non-obviousness” in art, as well as the need for aesthetic responsibility and independence when building a collection. The presentations were followed by a Q&A session with the audience, during which both speakers answered questions.
Exhibition: “Makowski through the Eyes of Seniors”
The next part of the event was the opening of the exhibition “Makowski through the Eyes of Seniors”, presenting reproductions of works created by participants of the Adult Day Care Center in Oświęcim. The original works can be viewed at the center on a daily basis. The artworks were created over several months as part of a therapeutic program, during which seniors developed their own interpretations of Makowski’s paintings. Their works—full of personal expression and sensitivity—demonstrated that the artist’s legacy continues to inspire. The exhibition was opened by Agata Lorek, Director of the Day Care Center in Oświęcim. Located in front of the main entrance to the Museum building, the exhibition can be visited free of charge until the end of the year. The event was accompanied by a presentation of original works by Tadeusz Makowski from the Museum’s collection.
Art workshops for children
On the following day, 20 November, a workshop entitled “Living Paintings Inspired by Makowski” was held for younger audiences. Children stepped into the world of the artist, creating their own interpretations of his works in the form of staged scenes. These “living paintings” were captured in photographs, giving participants a unique keepsake from their first encounter with Makowski’s art. The workshops combined creativity and education, showing that art can be a space for free expression and discovery.
A legacy that connects generations
The educational session “Discovering Artists of the Oświęcim Region – Tadeusz Makowski” brought together different generations, interests, and perspectives. Participants not only learned about the life and work of one of the most important artists associated with Oświęcim, but also engaged directly with his art. The event demonstrated how cultural heritage remains alive and relevant when it becomes a space for dialogue between the past and the present. Makowski’s work continues to inspire and encourages audiences to rediscover art anew.
