Untitled

The Wystaw[k]a project by Krzysztof Olszewski, also known as KED (born in 1970), was created in 2007 and presented in the same year at the National Museum in Szczecin. Out of more than ten photographs created as part of the series, two have been acquired for the museum's collection of contemporary art. This project, like many other projects by Olszewski, puts strong emphasis on the social context. At first glance, Wystaw[k]a is a smart artistic joke, street fun and masquerade. A closer look reveals a more serious undertone, showcasing the problem of overproduction and overconsumption, leading to the need to dispose of excessive amounts of trash, which is becoming a growing problem. Wystaw[k]a shines a spotlight on social inequalities of the contemporary world – things considered worthless and thrown away by some are treasures and objects of desire for others. The double meaning of the series title is another interesting aspect. Wystaw[k]a simultaneously refers to the practice of leaving useless objects on the street, as well as an exhibition in an esteemed place – such as a museum – where the exhibited objects-pieces are admired, or even worshipped. The artist's gesture moves unwanted things from the world of trash into the very centre of social attention – the reality of museum and gallery artefacts.

Magdalena Lewoc