Wałbrzych — Stara Kopalnia

Home turf. A “temple” in Michał’s world: coal, wood, paper — matter and myth under one roof.

Year 2024 Venue Stara Kopalnia — Centre for Science and Art, Wałbrzych Status solo exhibition

Story

I remember Karolina as one of the kind strangers at the debut in “Pod Pretekstem”. A year later — surprise: an invitation to collaborate. Finally, compact logistics — and a show at home.

For Pan Miś, Stara Kopalnia is a symbol-space. The raw matter of his world (wood) meets the site’s myth (coal). He doesn’t theorize it — he simply feels it’s “right”.

Opening night: a beautiful setting, the subtle chill of polished tiles. Next to the “Machine of Death” and the “Miner’s Ghost from Bolków” — normal, like home. In the audience: coach Andrzej Adamek of beloved Górnik Wałbrzych. “Woman of Fire” appears in the thanks to Marta — for making another dream come true: a team jersey of Górnik signed by the whole squad.

During the exhibition we ran guided visits for students from Special School No. 10 (Michał’s alma mater), to pass on a positive example to younger “drawing enthusiasts and the like”.

Gallery (selection)

Thanks

To Karolina Zalas — for taking the initiative; to Marta Adamek — for helping fulfil Michał’s dream; to coach Andrzej Adamek — for a gesture that meant so much. (The Górnik jersey hangs in pride of place in Michał’s display case.)