Exhibition | In Stone and Wood… | Józef Lewkowicz (accompanying event)

We invite you to an exhibition prepared by the festival Partner – Stowarzyszenie Twórców Ludowych.

From June 6 to August 31, the STL Folk Art Gallery presents an exhibition of works by Józef Lewkowicz – a renowned artist from Nowe Sioło, a small village near Płazów (Podkarpackie Voivodeship), who for over 40 years has been fascinated by stone and wood carving, and for some time also by woodcut art. The exhibition presents not only woodcuts, but also stone and wooden sculptures.

Folk artist Józef Lewkowicz is a self-taught sculptor and passionate creator. For many years, he worked primarily in wood, creating various forms typical of folk art, including figures of patron saints, angels, flowers, and multi-figure compositions. Over time, he decided to apply his skills to stone carving, a craft requiring not only talent but also strength and patience. This led to the creation of works stylistically inspired by the tombstone sculpture known from the Bruśnień stone-carving centre. He used stone from local deposits for his work.

Over time, a new passion appeared in the artist’s life – woodcuts. Thanks to his curiosity and research, he discovered 19th-century works originating from the folk woodcut workshop of the Kostrzycki family. Thirteen blocks from that workshop have survived to this day, including nine carved on both sides – a total of 22 woodcuts depicting saints and one floral pattern known as kołtryna.

Józef Lewkowicz decided to recreate the matrices of these forgotten and highly valuable woodcuts. His work resulted in the revival and later popularisation of Płazów woodcuts. In 2022, this phenomenon was entered into the Register of Good Safeguarding Practices of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The entry contributed to the growing popularity of this field of folk art. Workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and competitions began to be organised. During various events, the artist demonstrates the process of creating prints and carving, attracting crowds interested in this technique. Józef Lewkowicz quickly became a leading master and mentor, willingly passing on his knowledge and skills to younger generations, wanting the memory of woodcutting traditions in this region to remain alive.

The artist from Nowe Sioło not only recreates matrices of old woodcuts, but also creates his own original works, which have become part of broader activities promoting the history and culture of the region.

It is worth adding that in the 19th century, images of saints were an important element of rural interior decoration. Often without frames or glass, they were attached to walls or boards above stoves. They were also hung in dowry chests, on bed headboards, and in stables. Saints were believed to protect farms, their inhabitants, and animals. Prints could mainly be purchased at fairs and religious festivals.

Woodcut is the oldest graphic art technique. The first stage of its creation is a drawing transferred onto wooden blocks. A carving knife or chisel is then used to cut away the background and create shading with lines. The print is an impression of the completed matrix.

Organiser: Stowarzyszenie Twórców Ludowych
Curatorial care: Katarzyna Kraczoń
Funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (MKiDN)

Details

When: June 6 – August 31, 10:00-17:00
Where: STL Folk Art Gallery, Grodzka 14
Admission free