The Remembrance Museum of the Land of Oświęcim warmly invites you to the opening of the temporary exhibition “Avalanche”, presented as part of the National Day of Remembrance of the “Cursed Soldiers”. The opening (vernissage) will take place on 19 February at 5:00 PM.
Avalanche” tells a story of history seen through the lens of art and emotion. The paintings and sculptures on display do not reconstruct events directly; instead, they invite visitors to pause and reflect on the past through memory and emotional expression captured in artistic form. Here, art becomes a medium of remembrance and testimony.
The exhibition focuses on the tragic fate of the National Armed Forces unit led by Henryk Flame, known as “Bartek”, active in the years 1945–1947 in the regions of Cieszyn Silesia and Żywiec. A central element of the exhibition is the commemoration of victims—relatives of the artists whose works are presented. The exhibition recalls the fate of those murdered in a communist liquidation operation and reflects on the resilience of memory that could not be erased.
The exhibition features works by Piotr Walczak and an artist working under the pseudonym Kratka.
Piotr Walczak
Born in Bielsko-Biała, Piotr Walczak currently lives and works in the Jasienica municipality.
He discovered sculpture five years ago as a powerful means of expressing emotion, reflection, and memory. Although self-taught, his work demonstrates notable artistic and technical maturity, precision, and a strong expressive message.
Walczak primarily works with clay, often incorporating original historical artifacts into his sculptures. His work frequently explores themes of national identity, history, and collective memory. He is particularly drawn to themes of human suffering and dignity, inspired both by local history and broader shared experiences.
His works have been exhibited in numerous group and solo exhibitions in Poland and abroad. He has collaborated with galleries, cultural centres, and museums. Among his most significant projects are two exhibitions dedicated to camp art from the collections of the Auschwitz Museum, where his sculptures offered an artistic reflection on the tragedy of the Holocaust and the suffering caused by totalitarian regimes.
A recipient of multiple national and international awards, Walczak’s works can be found in private collections, cultural institutions, and public spaces. He continues to develop his artistic practice, treating art not only as a form of expression but also as a mission to convey values, history, and emotions to future generations.
Kratka
An artist based in Bielsko-Biała, Kratka works under a pseudonym, consciously choosing to remain anonymous. Art has accompanied her since childhood, although she has never received formal artistic training. As a self-taught artist, she develops her practice intuitively, guided by sensitivity and personal experience.
She works primarily with dry pastels, focusing on human figures—often mysterious and emotionally charged. Through her drawings, she opens a window into the unseen and unspoken, revealing an inner world shaped by individual perception. Kratka pays close attention to details that are easily overlooked. Some of her works are inspired by personal impressions from encounters with others.
Through color, she captures a wide spectrum of emotions—from subtle and fleeting to intense and overwhelming. Despite the emotional depth of her work, she avoids direct interpretation, allowing viewers to form their own meanings and associations.
Kratka herself remains in the background, rarely appearing in public and avoiding the spotlight. As she says, it is her art that should speak—not the artist.
Avalanche” is an exhibition that lingers in memory. It invites reflection on the fate of the “Cursed Soldiers,” the price of freedom, and the responsibility of remembrance.
We warmly invite you to attend. Muzeum Pamięci Mieszkańców Ziemi Oświęcimskiej Ul. M. Kolbego 2A, Oświęcim 19 lutego, godz. 17.00
