ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Stuart Brisley's 1970s-80s Polish connections explored in Warsaw exhibition Decisions

exhibition · 2026-04-20

The exhibition titled Decisions at Galeria Studio in Warsaw showcases the artistic contributions of Stuart Brisley from the 1970s and 1980s, with an emphasis on his connections to Poland. It commenced on September 21, 2018, and will continue until December 9, 2018. The display includes archival documents, photographs, and films that illustrate Brisley's partnerships with Polish artists. A highlight is his 1975 performance Moments of Decision/Indecision, where he endeavored to climb a wall painted in vibrant colors. Brisley's association with Poland initiated in 1972 upon meeting Józef Szajna, leading to his performance at Studio. The exhibition also features letters, his 1984 film Being and Doing, and nods to his 1972 piece And for Today... Nothing. Curator Barbara Piwowarska points out the physicality of Brisley's work, which explores themes of horror and resilience.

Key facts

  • Exhibition Decisions focuses on Stuart Brisley's 1970s-80s work and Polish connections
  • Runs from September 21 to December 9, 2018 at Galeria Studio in Warsaw
  • Features 1975 performance Moments of Decision/Indecision documented by Leslie Haslam
  • Includes 1984 film Being and Doing with Polish artists Ewa Partum and Zbigniew Warpechowski
  • Curated by Barbara Piwowarska with archival letters and documents
  • British ambassador Norman Reddaway tried to deport Brisley in 1975
  • References Józef Szajna's play Replika and Dylan Thomas's 1951 poem
  • Brisley performed a new 30-minute action with cardboard tube and amplified breathing

Entities

Artists

  • Stuart Brisley
  • Józef Szajna
  • Ewa Partum
  • Zbigniew Warpechowski
  • Ken McMullen
  • Leslie Haslam
  • Eadweard Muybridge
  • Dylan Thomas

Institutions

  • Galeria Studio
  • British Council
  • Edinburgh Festival
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Warsaw
  • Poland
  • Edinburgh
  • United Kingdom

Sources