Calendar 2020 – SATYRYKON 10th Anniversary

The Satyrykon Gallery is a very important place on the cultural map of Poland, let it be even for the reason that it is one of very few exhibition venues which dedicate both their concern and space to illustration in its widest meaning, and illustrators themselves. Within this group a particular attention is paid to young artists. Not necessarily to debutants (still there are such ones, for instance Klaudia Kost, Grzegorz Myćka and Beata Filipowicz) as many of the artists have already well-recognised names. Nevertheless, by preparing their solo shows, the Gallery in a way presents them with its quality mark. The shows are held within the following cycles: ‘Encounters with Illustration’, ‘Satyrykon Best Debut’ and ‘HALLO! IT’S ART’, within the latter one, the Gallery hosts also widely acclaimed artists (Maria Ekier, Paweł Pawlak, Tomasz Broda, Magdalena Wosik, Jerzy Głuszek). The exhibitions reach a possibly wide audience – from young people to senior citizens, these who are more and those who are less oriented in the matter, and perhaps to pedestrians attracted to the Gallery thanks to a provoking poster which promotes the event.

Worth accentuating is the great care and accuracy with which the Gallery organises these presentations. Every show is accompanied by a richly illustrated (obviously!) folder with critical texts written by professionals. In many cases the exhibition is a pretext to meet the artist, and workshops run by the invited illustrators are not occasional.

The Gallery’s name obliges, therefore we will come across satire on many occasions, however this satire often tends to be of a rather lyrical kind, emotions and sensual topics, nostalgic moods, still the temperature is most often higher than moderate. The world is observed with a cautious eye, but some issues are addressed at with a winking eye, and a sensitive ear, so a catchy slogan or a memorable phrase may appear in posters or press illustrations which are also shown here from time to time (Katarzyna Bogdańska, Grzegorz Myćka).

The decade of the Gallery existence is a little and a lot at the same time. A lot because the presence of many cultural institutions is not certain at the moment. A little because ten years of activity is not really a dignified jubilee. After all, dignity is not something specially searched for at the Satyrykon Gallery.

Anita Wincencjusz-Patyna