ACCOMAPYING PROGRAMME
- Thursday (26 September) at 6:00 p.m at the Biedermann’s Palace – a meeting dedicated to the book "Śmiałość i empatia" [Boldness and Empathy] by Elwira Sztetner and Dariusz Gzyra. The meeting will be led by Łucja Lange.
- Thursday (3 October) – a film screening (details will be published as they happen).
- Thursday (10 October) at 6:00 p.m. – a meeting with Dr Łucja Lange "Wokół sztuki zaangażowanej – o upamiętnieniach osób zwierzęcych" [Around engaged art – on commemorating animal persons]
- Sunday (13 October) – a meeting pertaining to vegan cuisine at the Biedermann’s Palace, led by Kaja Bilska from the Majne Szwajne bistro (go to the piece of news).
WHEN YOU CAN SEE THE EXHIBITION
From 13 September to 20 October the exhibition can be viewed at the Wozownia 1/5 Gallery at the Biedermann’s Palace, on the following days:
- Wednesday–Friday 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday (20 October 2024) 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
REPORT OF THE EXHIBITION'S OPENING
The exhibition "HIDDEN – Animals in the Anthropocene", created by a Canadian photographer and an activist Jo-Anne McArthur with We Animals includes the works of several animal photojournalists. The opening of the exhibition at the university's Wozownia 1/5 Gallery at the Biedermann’s Palace was the Polish premiere of the exhibition. The opening was attended by, among others, Jo-Anne McArthur and Stefano Belacchi from We Animals. The Polish edition of "HIDDEN" is the result of cooperation between the University of Lodz and the Otwarte Klatki Association.
Exhibitions like “HIDDEN” and groups like We Animals try to look into a place where we wouldn’t normally like to look. Whether we want it or not, they become a pang of conscience. They force us to reflect on our ethical attitudes. Above all, they are the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. When I look at these photographs, I have to admit that they say more than any words could
– says Prof. Krzysztof Pabis, the University of Lodz Vice-Rector for Popularisation of Science and Education.
The full photo report of the opening of the exhibition is available on the university's Flickr. NOTE: The photos presented in the exhibition may evoke strong emotions. The exhibition is only for people over 16 years of age (go to gallery).
The University of Lodz is guided in its activities by, among other things, courage, independence of thought and commitment, which contributes to sustainable development. The exhibition is an in-depth analysis, constituting a global cross-section of industries in which life is ruthlessly subordinated for the purposes of profit and maintaining the tradition resulting from the belief in the superiority of man over other species inhabiting our planet. It brings to light the titular "hidden" – the fate of animals whose existence is conditioned by the will of human cruelty
– says Maciej Andrzejewski, one of the curators of the exhibition.
Each photo is a global message of injustice towards animals. The subjects of our works have perfectly prepared outdoor areas of suffering, created by the human species. The photos I work on are dirty and raw. It is a narrative that I show in a 1:1 ratio. These are not artistic images to be enjoyed, it is a brutal truth that is supposed to educate and make you think, leading to social change
– adds the second curator of the exhibition, Andrzej Skowron, whose photographs are a part of the exhibition.
The title of the exhibition, "Hidden", is very symbolic and significant. The situations documented in the presented photos are happening on a mass scale all over the world, here and now. At the same time, animal suffering has never been so hidden from the human eye. The exhibition reveals what is hidden and at the same time asks difficult questions about what contemporary humanity is
– explains Bogna Wiltowska, President of the Otwarte Klatki Associaton.
"HIDDEN" is another event in which the University of Lodz combines scientific reflection with the language of art. This time, it concerns the threat posed by industrial animal breeding. Prof. Tadeusz Kotarbiński, writing in "A Note on the Value of Science" about the affinity of science and art, pointed to one of the main goals facing institutions such as the University – "the defense against social threats, in particular against the failure to lead an honourable existence".
Edit: Bartosz Kałużny (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
Photos: Bartosz Kałużny (Communications and PR Centre, University of Lodz)
The mission of the University of Lodz is to conduct reliable research and actively disseminate facts and research results so as to wisely educate future generations, be useful to society and courageously respond to the challenges of the modern world. Scientific excellence is always our best compass. Our values include: courage, curiosity, commitment, cooperation and respect.