800+ Polish artists protest government move to oust Zachęta director
Over 800 individuals from the Polish art community, including artists, curators, and critics, have rallied against culture minister Piotr Gliński's intention to dismiss Hanna Wróblewska as director of Warsaw's Zachęta – National Gallery of Art, a position she has occupied since 2010. Prominent figures voicing their support include former directors Anda Rottenberg and Agnieszka Morawińska, as well as artists Goshka Macuga and Wilhelm Sasnal. The Polish section of AICA has also expressed solidarity. Critics assert that Gliński’s move may be influenced by political connections to the ruling Law and Justice party, with Wróblewska's tenure set to conclude in December 2021.
Key facts
- More than 800 Polish artists, curators, and critics signed an open letter opposing the removal of Zachęta director Hanna Wróblewska.
- Hanna Wróblewska has been director of Zachęta – National Gallery of Art in Warsaw since 2010.
- Culture minister Piotr Gliński is a member of the ruling Law and Justice party and is also deputy prime minister.
- Former directors Anda Rottenberg and Agnieszka Morawińska are among the signatories.
- Artists including Goshka Macuga, Wilhelm Sasnal, Ewa Axelrad, Iza Tarasewicz, Paweł Althamer, and Anna Molska signed the letter.
- The Polish branch of AICA published a separate letter of support.
- In 2019, the government replaced the director of CCA Ujazdowski Castle, Małgorzata Ludwisiak, bypassing normal selection.
- The new CCA director Piotr Bernatowicz reallocated funds in 2020 from works by Ilya and Emilia Kabakov and Joseph Kosuth to purchase other works, including a painting by Jacek Adamas interpreted as homophobic.
- Wróblewska has curated solo shows by Andrzej Wróblewski, Katarzyna Kozyra, Marlene Dumas, and Sarkis.
- Wróblewska serves as commissioner for Poland's pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
- The ministry stated Wróblewska's term expires at the end of December 2021 and that a change may positively affect the institution.
- Appointments can be made through a jury process or handpicked by the minister.
Entities
Artists
- Hanna Wróblewska
- Anda Rottenberg
- Agnieszka Morawińska
- Goshka Macuga
- Wilhelm Sasnal
- Ewa Axelrad
- Iza Tarasewicz
- Paweł Althamer
- Anna Molska
- Andrzej Wróblewski
- Katarzyna Kozyra
- Marlene Dumas
- Sarkis
- Ilya Kabakov
- Emilia Kabakov
- Joseph Kosuth
- Jacek Adamas
- Piotr Bernatowicz
- Małgorzata Ludwisiak
Institutions
- Zachęta – National Gallery of Art
- AICA (International Association of Art Critics)
- CCA Ujazdowski Castle
- Venice Biennale
- Law and Justice party
- Polska Agencja Prasowa
Locations
- Poland
- Warsaw
- Venice
- Italy