„The intention of the exhibition is to document all significant achievements in the field of contemporary amber: art, craft and design, with a particular emphasis on quality. This is evidenced not only by the careful selection of exhibits, but also by the unique nature of the carefully designed exhibition” - this is how the exhibition was announced by its curator, Prof. Sławomir Fijałkowski of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. And this is what we find it to be: the 400 square metre exhibition features over 300 exhibits on loan from museum and private collections, which comprehensively „tell” the story of amber: from the time of its creation to the present, from natural lumps of amber and inclusions immortalised in it, through exclusive craftsmanship and innovative design, to contemporary art and successful marriages of amber and fashion. These slogans include jewellery that showcases natural amber as well as intricate sculptures and high-end jewellery and works that have been awarded in prestigious competitions, as well as unique pieces exposing unusual materials and techniques.
Their creators are the best Polish artists, designers and craftsmen - those who specialise in working with amber, but also those who use it occasionally (and to good effect). Several dozen artists, including Paweł Kaczyński, have been invited to present their works at the exhibition, Marek Mikicki, Wojciech Kalandyk (Art7), S&A, Jacek Ostrowski, Przemyslaw Kus, Aleksander Gliwinski, Dariusz Zarański and many others who, in a unique, individual way, contribute to building the Polish amber brand around the world, as well as the brand of the city of Gdansk - the World Capital of Amber.
The idea of the exhibition „Baltic Amber. Tradition and Innovation” was not coincidentally born in Gdansk, as it is here that the greatest number of amber initiatives have „always” been born and continue to be born. Several of them - those undertaken over the last few years - accompany this exhibition. These include. Trend Book 2017+ (since 2010), 2nd Gdansk Baltic Amber Biennale, the international amber workshop (2010-2016), the Amber Look Fashion and Amber Gala (since 1992) and the projects of the Association of Goldsmiths („Our Amber”).
The exhibition, which opened on 10 July, is already regarded as the most interesting, comprehensive and best arranged temporary presentation devoted to Baltic amber.
The exhibition „Baltic Amber. Tradition and Innovation”
10.07 – 14.09.2017
European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk