If you've already had enough of Poland's performance in the World Cup, or you've simply had enough of football altogether, a fair antidote would be to head over to the National Museum for some artistic therapy. Not only is it sure to be free of bare-chested nutters chanting drunken ditties, you'll find a fantastic exhibition on a forgotten star in Poland's artistic firmament.
Rafal Malczewski (1892 - 1965) has always had to play second fiddle to his more famous father, Jacek (1854 - 1929), who was one of the towering figures in Polish art. However, this show reveals that Rafal gave his Dad a fair run for his money when it came to adventures with the brush.
Like so many of Poland's artists and intelligentsia, Rafal spent much of his youth in Zakopane. This famed mountain resort was in many ways the cultural capital of Poland around the turn of the century. The young Rafal knew all the interesting characters of the day, and besides painting he was an accomplished writer and climber. His paintings - many of which portray the surrounding countryside - are decidedly more cheery than his father's ponderous works, and a sense of humour often comes through. This is not entirely accidental, as after Poland regained her independence in 1918, artists felt relieved of the heavy duty of being spiritual guardian of the nation. But enough talk. Don't miss the chance to catch this marvellous show before it closes on the 25th!
Rafal Malczewski and the Myth of Zakopane: National Museum - Until 25th June 2006 (al. Jerozolimskie 3)
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