“The creative process of ceramics differs from that of painting or sculpture,” notes Henryk Lula, emphasizing the role of imagination in shaping its outcome. The other exhibition at Zachęta showcases a wide array of works by Henryk Lula, an artist, teacher, and professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. Featuring over 100 objects, it offers the most comprehensive presentation to date of Lula’s achievements. Active from the 1950s to the present, Lula’s creations revolve around ceramics, emphasizing the theme of matter, which aligns with his theoretical reflections on art’s role. The exhibition delves into the evolution of modern ceramic tradition in Poland, transcending the boundaries of applied art or design since the 1960s.
Lula’s handmade objects, ranging from shells to bottles, platters, and jugs, reflect his mastery of physics, thermal, and chemical processes. These diverse forms, whether flat, round, concave, or convex, serve as the foundation for his exploration of color and texture through glazing and firing techniques. Original glazes, meticulously crafted to complement each form, unite to form cohesive ceramic artworks. Through sets of harmonious or contrasting forms, the exhibition highlights the complexities and nuances of ceramic shaping, governed by workshop expertise and artistic finesse.
Make sure to visit the annex to the main exhibit space to learn about Lula’s remarkable contribution to the reconstruction of a pivotal piece of European cultural heritage: the Great Furnace from the Artus Court in Gdańsk. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication are just as awe-inspiring as his exquisite glazes.
