Gifts of Friendship: Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź Celebrates a Century of Artistic Generosity
The Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź, Poland, is showcasing 'Gifts of Friendship', which features close to 150 pieces contributed by approximately 80 artists from 2024 to 2026. This exhibition, running until February 1, 2027, delves into themes of the 'gift economy' and the spirit of artistic generosity. The museum's origins trace back to the late 1920s, with early donations from artists such as Fernand Léger and Max Ernst, first exhibited on February 15, 1931. Notable later contributions include 239 pieces from Mateusz Grabowski in the 1970s and Joseph Beuys's archive in 1981. The exhibition also highlights works by Gabriele Stötzer, Nikita Kadan, and others, reflecting on both collecting history and modern artistic practices. Director Daniel Muzyczuk seeks to restore connections and reestablish the museum's presence on the global stage.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Gifts of Friendship' at Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź, Poland, runs until February 1, 2027.
- Features nearly 150 works donated between 2024 and 2026 by around 80 artists.
- Museum founded on artist donations in the late 1920s by the a.r. group.
- First public showing of the International Collection of Modern Art on February 15, 1931.
- Donations include works by Fernand Léger, Hans Arp, Max Ernst, and Kurt Schwitters.
- In the 1970s, Mateusz Grabowski donated 239 works by British artists.
- In 1981, Joseph Beuys donated 787 artworks and documents.
- Exhibition spans both museum venues: ms¹ and ms².
- Director Daniel Muzyczuk: aim was to rebuild relationships and return to international stage.
- Artists include Gabriele Stötzer, Nikita Kadan, Liam Gillick, R.H. Quaytman, and others.
Entities
Artists
- Władysław Strzemiński
- Katarzyna Kobro
- Henryk Stażewski
- Julian Przyboś
- Jan Brzękowski
- Fernand Léger
- Hans Arp
- Max Ernst
- Kurt Schwitters
- Mateusz Grabowski
- Pauline Boty
- Frank Bowling
- Bridget Riley
- Joseph Beuys
- Gabriele Stötzer
- Richard Demarco
- Liam Gillick
- R.H. Quaytman
- Karin Schneider
- Jasmina Cibic
- Nikita Kadan
- Agnieszka Polska
- Mykola Ridnyi
- Paulina Ołowska
- Julita Wójcik
- Anton Vidokle
- Franz Erhard Walther
- Ghislaine Leung
Institutions
- Muzeum Sztuki in Łódź
- a.r. group
- International Collection of Modern Art
- J. and K. Bartoszewicz Municipal Museum of History and Art
- ms¹
- ms²
- Stasi
Locations
- Łódź
- Poland
- Warsaw
- Moscow
- Paris
- Berlin
- London
- Poznański Palace
- Więckowskiego 36, 90-734 Łódź
- Ogrodowa 19, 90-062 Łódź