Włodzimierz Konieczny at the First Piotr Skarga Exhibition of Contemporary Polish Church Art in Kraków in 1911

Abstract

The First Exhibition of Contemporary Polish Church Art was organised in Kraków in 1911 at the initiative of circles associated with the editors of the “Krakowski Miesięcznik Artystyczny” [Kraków Art Monthly] and the episcopate. It was not a classic review of current trends and tendencies in sacred art. Its authors were aware of the need of reform. Comments contained reflections on how incompatible with religious themes was the character of the exhibits; but an even stronger critical tone referred to earlier decorations of nineteenth-century objects of worship. The need for change was dictated by the desire to create art with unique expression, permeated with an authentic religious spirit. A reference to Polish craft achievements, created under the patronage of the Association of Polish Applied Arts as well as the Association “Architecture, Sculpture, Painting and Craft”, and housed in a separate room at the exhibition, was also an important suggestion. In competitions announced at that time, Włodzimierz Konieczny received first prize for his sculpture “Immaculata” and second prize for the plaque depicting the Mother of God and the Child. The rich biography of this little-known artist is worth quoting, as is the concise description of his work. In terms of graphics, his art is located at the boundary between symbolism and expressionism while in sculpture it combines the influences of Neoclassicism and the Neo-Renaissance. The young artist, a graduate of the Kraków Academy of Fine Arts, also undertook the writing of critical works. He claimed that achievements in the field of high art were impossible without parallel development of applied art. Konieczny’s reflections mirror the reflections of his contemporaries on the perspectives of development of religious art as well as the need to determine its essence and to develop its valid patterns.