ART IN A DISRUPTED WORLD: POLAND 1939-1949 - AGATA PIETRASIK

Discover a fascinating journey through Polish art in the turbulent years of World War II and its immediate aftermath. The book "Art in a Disrupted World" is a study of artistic practices that emerged in the shadow of war, in concentration camps, ghettos, in exile, and in the post-war reality. It is a story about the power of creativity that survived the most difficult moments, giving hope and a testimony to the human spirit.

• Ethical dimension of art: The struggle to preserve humanity in inhuman conditions.
• New perspective on the decade: Accessible and essayistic style of the author.
• Lesser-known projects: Discovering the works of Marian Bogusz, Józef Szajna, and Jadwiga Simon-Pietkiewicz.
• Autonomous artistic languages: Capturing unique forms of expression of the artists of that period.
• Traumatic experiences: Reflection on the ability of art history to accommodate works created in response to tragedies.
• Wide range of works: Drawings, paintings, architectural, exhibition, literary, and theatrical projects.
• Life in occupied Poland: New perspective on everyday realities and challenges.

Agata Pietrasik, an art historian, in her book transcends established historical frameworks and traditional forms of narration to retell the story of life in Poland during the occupation. She brings together various works, from drawings and paintings to architectural and exhibition projects, as well as literary and theatrical works, creating a comprehensive picture of that era. The author pays particular attention to the ethical side of artistic practice, seeing it as a method of fighting for the preservation of humanity in the most inhuman conditions.

The book "Art in a Disrupted World" is not only an analysis of works of art, but also a deep reflection on the role of the artist in society, especially in times of crisis. Pietrasik asks about the ability of art history to accommodate works in its discourse that were created in response to traumatic experiences, opening new interpretive perspectives and encouraging a rethinking of the canons of art.

The Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, the publisher of the book, has been involved for years in promoting Polish contemporary art and reflecting on its role in society. The publication "Art in a Disrupted World" fits into this mission, offering readers a unique insight into Polish art in a historical and social context. This book is not only a read for art lovers, but also for anyone interested in the history of Poland and the impact of war on culture and society.

The book has 320 pages and a format of 241x158 mm. The cover is paperback. It was published in 2021.