The geopolitical events of recent years — armed conflicts, including the full-scale war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic, and their economic consequences such as inflation — have generated a widespread sense of uncertainty and a pessimistic outlook on the future.
In place of bold, futuristic visions, a turn toward nostalgia has emerged, resonating unexpectedly well with the present moment. Nostalgia, understood as a feeling of loss, in its reflective form combines longing with a sense of belonging. Svetlana Boym described it not only as “a longing for a home that no longer exists or has never existed,” but also as “a romance with one’s own fantasy.” The exhibition, featuring works by 22 artists connected to Kraków and born between 1979 and 2001, resembles a smile through tears — a gesture that, while masking sadness, can momentarily soften it.
The paintings, installations, and sculptures on display were created as an attempt to build a safe space for memories. They are returns to childhood experiences that may offer comfort. To a large extent, these are figurative works. The artists adopt distinctly narrative approaches, assuming the roles of storytellers of fairy tales, myths, urban legends, as well as stories drawn from films and television series.