“Mistrz i Uczeń” (Master and Pupil) – a special evening at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic
The Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic in Białystok hosted a special evening that brought together art, emotion and a meeting of generations. “Mistrz i Uczeń” (Master and Pupil) was an event in which the art of Podlasie gained a new dimension — alongside works by experienced artists, sensitive, fresh interpretations by young people were also presented.
On 11 November, the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic hosted a beautiful concert, “Już za stoły zasiadają” (“Now They Sit Down at the Tables”), performed by the Kurpie Zielone folk ensemble and the Warsaw University of Technology Song and Dance Ensemble. Yet the evening also had a second, artistic dimension — it was then that the exhibition “Mistrz i Uczeń” was presented, organised by Podlaski Ślad Sztuki (an initiative showcasing artists from the Podlasie region) in collaboration with King Sigismund Augustus 6th General Secondary School in Białystok and its art group ARTE.
Twelve works were shown in the philharmonic’s spaces — six paintings by Podlasie artists and six interpretations inspired by their work, created by the students. The invited artists were: Magdalena Dziejma, Bernard Nikitorowicz, Joanna Półkośnik, Romejko Art, Marko Sapiołko Art, Dawid Smaczny Art.
A concert that enchanted
It was the first time I had seen Kurpie Zielone perform live. I was enchanted – the choreography, the energy and the variety of costumes made a huge impression on me. The dancers, weaving folk songs into their dancing, created an atmosphere that is hard to put into words. They sang beautifully, and every movement they made had lightness and emotion.
It is amazing that this tradition is still alive and so vividly present in our culture.
My place in the exhibition
Each of the artists presented one of their works at the exhibition. I proudly showed my latest painting — “Spirit of the Forest” — which I created especially for the previous exhibition, “Podlaski wymiar sztuki” (The Podlasie Dimension of Art). Symbolic, rooted in the nature of Podlasie, and close to my heart.
Simply seeing all the works side by side created a beautiful dialogue between generations — experienced artists and young ones who are only just finding their voice.
Natalia Dąbrowska and her painting inspired by my work
For me, one of the most important moments of the evening was meeting Natalia Dąbrowska, a student at the school, who chose my work as the inspiration for her painting. It is a huge honour and very moving for me, especially as the young artists had many Podlasie artists to choose from.
Ewelina Ramotowska — teacher and leader of the ARTE group — set the students an interesting task: to choose one of the artists presented by Podlaski Ślad Sztuki and create their own painting inspired by that artist’s style, emotions and sensibility.
I really liked Natalia’s work — it was full of mood, intrigue and subtlety… and those are exactly the qualities I value most in art. Interestingly, it turned out that we have a lot in common: dark, curly hair, a certain gentleness, a way of being. I felt straight away that she is a sensitive, beautiful soul. I hope she will continue to develop on her creative path — she has both the talent and the heart for it.
Moments that stay with you
After the official part there were many conversations, smiles, photos and emotional moments. Meeting the audience, other artists and young creators always gives me energy. That evening I felt once again that art truly brings people together — regardless of age or experience.
Thank you
I would like to thank the organisers — Podlaski Ślad Sztuki, the teachers of the 6th General Secondary School, and all the wonderful artists and students for this unique space for dialogue between generations.
It was a beautiful, inspiring evening, and knowing that my work could become an impulse for a young person is one of the most precious experiences an artist can have.
