Not just for art's sake

The Polish avant-garde art scene of the 1980s is the main focus of the second Łódź Biennale. The major exhibition of the festival, Mentality, is largely dedicated to Poland's progressive artists and their underground political activities in the decade leading up to the fall of communism. Mentality is on show at the Łódź Art Center, which opened two years ago in a former textile factory. It is also where the Museum of Construction in Process was opened last week on the first day of the Biennale.

The museum hosts a permanent exhibition documenting the work of artists associated with Construction in Process, an international movement promoting solidarity among artists. The first Construction in Process meeting of artists took place in Łódź in 1981 under the auspices of Solidarity. Over 50 artists from all over the world took part, showing support for the changes happening in Poland. They wanted to express the idea that art was not just ornamental, but also had a role to play in public life. Later on, several such events were organized in different cities all over the world.

In total, the Łódź Biennale comprises some 20 events, exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, films and concerts, organized in various venues around the city, including the Art Museum, Patio Art Center, Manufaktura, galleries and cafes.

The Łódź Biennale will last until October 31.