Michał Kucharski
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©2024 Michał Kucharski
They Appeared in The Blue Midnight
3 Channel Video with sound, 11’ 45”
Growing up in an industrial area of southern Poland, once built with pride and now a combination of modern and forgotten buildings, left my generation caught between past dreams and an uncertain future. As the ideals of creating a perfect society shifted, constant tension emerged.
The confrontation of values and romanticized violence became both a refuge and a source of friction for the people living in Nowa Huta. Boyhood, shaped by these influences, was a phase I observed from the sidelines rather than experienced.
In this video work, I stage scenes that blend personal stories with collective memories to recreate the boyhood of my neighborhood. By comparing mine to similarly built areas, I explore how the community deals with societal shifts in a place where archetypes of violent residents dominate. This approach helps me understand my background, which I never felt part of.
Installation view, Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2024
Installation view, Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, 2024
Installation view, Galerie Ron Mandos, Amsterdam, 2024