Enlightened: The Art of Light

 

Can light be a work of art? The latest exhibition - Enlightened. The Art of Light shows that the craftsmanship of the masters of yesteryear continues to inspire young designers to create unique works of art. The exhibition. takes viewers on a journey into the world of elegant candelabra and ornate candlesticks, with each subsequent step bringing them closer to the contemporary interpretations of the art of light. The attendees will go on a fascinating journey through eras, styles and ideas, all in order to see how light can delight, inspire and transform the way we perceive the world around us.

The exhibition showcases a collection of gilded bronze artefacts from the Wawel Royal Castle, supplemented by selected items from the National Museum in Warsaw and the Museum of King Jan III’s Palace in Wilanów. This is an opportunity to take a closer look at objects that once adorned royal and aristocratic interiors, and which continue to amaze and astonish with their precise craftsmanship, elegance and refined design.

From the late 18th century to the mid-19th century, gilded bronzes were seen as highly prized works of artistic craftsmanship, while Paris was widely perceived as the main manufacturing hub and key source of these items. The city was home to many masters of engraving and gilding, who created objects that combined functionality with artistry and craftsmanship. Luxury goods merchants also played an important role in the process, as they were often involved in devising concepts and commissioning works.

The exhibition features not only striking lighting fixtures – candelabra, chandeliers and wall lamps – but also other objects that lent character to interiors of yesteryear. The works on display include items from the collections of King Stanisław August Poniatowski and Stanisław Kostka Potocki, as well as pieces gathered by other Polish collectors.

It enables visitors to view the gilded bronzes not just as furnishings, but also as works of art in their own right, which bore witness to the extraordinary skills of the artisans of yesteryear and the refined taste of their patrons.

Light is not only a part of everyday life, but also a symbol of knowledge, reason and the exploration of the world – values that were particularly important during the Age of Enlightenment. The exhibition’s title alludes to these concepts, and the subtitle connects the story of light with the modern era.

The projects on display were created as part of a competition organised by the Wawel Royal Castle for students of the Faculty of Industrial Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. Out of the 48 entries submitted, the jury selected 26 works, including light fixtures, light installations, video animations and installations inspired by traditional craftsmanship.

Young designers enter into a dialogue with historical forms and techniques, creatively interpreting the legacy of the past eras, drawing upon the symbolism of Wawel and its architectural details, experimenting with materials, and hearkening back to the inventions and ideas of the Age of Enlightenment. In their work, traditional forms take on new meanings, while historical craftsmanship serves as a starting point for exploring contemporary design solutions.

Enlightened. The Art of Light is a meeting of two perspectives - historical works that reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetics of bygone eras, and contemporary projects that respond to the needs of today’s world.

Light can set the mood, shape a space and help us relax. In the day and age of sensory overload and constant haste, it takes on particular significance – it can help us foster an environment which facilitates finding the moments of rest and mindfulness.

The exhibition at Wawel invites visitors to rediscover light and view it as a space where art, craftsmanship and contemporary design converge.

Exhibition curator: dr Weronika Rostworowska-Kenig