In English there are words such as sketchbook and blackbook – the Polish equivalent for the first one is szkicownik, while the second term is used to describe a notebook in which graffiti artists design their complex works and collect entries of other artists or famous people. The term which I use to describe my sketchbooks, that I have been keeping since 2013 is dirtbooks. Previously, I used to draw on loose sheets of paper, which would get destroyed. I condemned all these notes, ideas and dirty, quick drawings to oblivion.

In this project I decided to focus on sketches. I wonder why sketches, which are usually intended as rehearsals, are ultimately doomed to be thrown away? Are they just a way to create the actual work? The prepared exhibition draws on the rich materiality of this early stage of work with graffiti art. The notebooks I have collected are documentation of the process of creating a finished work, and dirty sketches, stamped crayons, used paints and markers sometimes seem to be more interesting than the final effect.

The Brudnopis / Dirtbook project will be presented from 19.10 to 30.11.2023 in the Hall on level -1 of Zachęta - National Gallery of Art. Admission to the exhibition is free during gallery opening hours.

KRIK KONG (born 1981) – urban-art creator, illustrator, painter, tattooist. Since 1999 he has been creating in the comic style. Co-founder and artistic curator of Layup Gallery and S.O.S. Participant of urban-art festivals, collective and individual exhibitions.