Some of the objects featured in the exhibition exist as autonomous entities. Drawing or painting machines – automatons or semi-automatic devices – generate images without human  intervention, taking over the role of the artist. Just as in Antonisz’s case, some of the these devices are evidence not so much of their authors’ fascination with perfect technology as their keen awareness of their own limits. Error, malfunction and randomness sometimes creep into their operation, and the passion to construct can also assume absurd forms, as in Rube Goldberg’s spectacularly complex machines.

The popularization of the ‘practical ways’ and democratic distribution of knowledge on the artistic and utilitarian potential of technology seems particularly important at a time of (ideological and financial crisis).

The artistic statements presented in the show are clearly relevant in the context of today’s debate on ‘grassroots creativity’. As an alternative to the culture of mass production and consumption, the idea of DIY (do-it-yourself) becomes an important point of reference for the works on display. In the past, we were taught household creativity by Adam Słodowy’s hugely popular show, today the role is performed by hundreds of web portals offering practical advice and instruction on the subject.

The presented works demonstrate that, in an era of ‘digital reproduction’, Julian Antonisz’s postulate of returning to the roots of cinema and fighting for a rightful place for the individual experience has lost none of its relevance.

Exhibition title inspired by Julian Antonisz’s 1974 film.