The artworks from this series were created with awe by the works of Witold Leszczyński. His films are about the loneliness of a man who somehow does not fit in with the rest. Although in all cases he is more or less accepted, he is never understood. In Leszczyński's movies, I was fascinated by the very way of presenting the nature - seemingly simple scenes with a sublime atmosphere, music or silence. In Siekierezada, for example, the main theme is an alto in the setting of a baroque orchestra (in the final part of the film played on the harmonica by main character) - it ends with "Amen" from "Stabat Mater" by Vivaldi's RV621. It fits incredibly well with the sublime shots of a sleeping, winter forest.
Selected films refer to the relationship between man and the world in a very beautiful way. The movie “The Days of Matthew” invites you to lean over the sensitivity of others and their way of understanding the world. It encourages admiration for the grass, different shades of the world that are not spectacular or Instagram like. Konopielka, in addition to respect for nature, also shows the value of bonds built in a community. Whats more,it asks questions about the role of progress in our lives. Siekierezada shows a dialogue about the meaning of existence and the path taken by each of us.Leszczyński does not explain much to us, rather he gives us the opportunity for interpretation.
This art work is a diptich. A grey heron is watching the scene from the other painting. I find this bird extremely extraordinary – it’s not only one of very rare animals which can eat snakes but also has many interesting incarnations. In this context very interesting is this one from the Greek mitology. In Leszczynski’s movies, the characters reappear (kaziuk is later seen when smashing wooden tables at a dance in “Siekierezada”). In case of my works, animals are those who permeate.
What is there left for the crowd when no logical arguments exist?
One of the villagers wants to implement a huge improvement for all that will save many hours of work but is against a centuries-old tradition.
This is Kaziuk.
Or rather, his frustration.
Frustration that those clots still believe
that if they cut grain with a scythe instead of a sickle,
they will be punished by God.
„Idący zaś szedł i to wszystko. Nic poza tym. Był tylko ruchem, ruchomym punktem, ruchomą kreską na drodze. Nawiedzony był tym rzadkim szczęśliwym czasem niemyślenia. Ta fala błoga, ten obłok biały miękki i w środku pusty napłynął na idącego. Zimny bo zimny wiatr owiewał wiecznie rozgorączkowany rozpalony rozbuchany żarem łeb. Idący to czuł i tylko to. Było tak jakby dmuchający wiatr wciskał z powrotem na miejsce próbujące się wydostać z głowy myśli. Albo jeszcze dokładniej: było tak, jakby idący szedł bez głowy, jakby ją sobie zdjął i trzymał pod pachą albo schował do worka, co go niósł na plecach. O, piękne, piękne wakacje bezmyślności wielkiej zupełnej. Błogosławiony odpoczynek od piekła i piekielnego raju myślenia. Błogosławiona bezmyślności młoda zdrowa wdowa”. /E.Stachura “Siekierezada”/
