CHRISTMAS NATIVITY SCENE

1.2023

dimensions: 120*103cm

Technique: appliqué with raw edge, free-hand quilting and embroidery, acrylic paints, alcohol paints, beads; cotton, polyester filling, polyester threads

The patchwork was based on a photo found in the National Digital Archive. The photo is from the 1930s.

“This patchwork is multi-layered - it resembles a casket novel. There is a winter portrait of two boys carrying, larger than themselves, a wooden crib. It's dark everywhere, beaded stars glittering in the black sky. Snow creaks underfoot. Where are these boys going?

The nativity scene sparkles with colors - silver and gold, such front work. Flags flying on the turrets betray a place close to the author of this building. The red and white are our national ones, the blue and white are the flags of Krakow. Such nativity scenes are created to celebrate Christmas. So we have the time and place of the action.

For those who would still have doubts about what occasion the wild boys are preparing for, the crown proof - in the central part of the nativity scene is a second nativity scene, with the Holy Family and baby Jesus. A nativity scene within a nativity scene. Surrounded by fudge trees, Christmas trees and highlanders doing the honor guard.

In the lower part a completely different “nativity scene”. It depicts a policeman, a Jewish woman and a krakowiak. They will probably perform some kind of theatrical play during the climax of the presentation of the nativity scene to the audience. They will probably make fun of the vices and events of the passing year.

One portrait and so many stories are hidden in it. Some dictated by the history of our country, others can be derived from your own experiences or fueled by a lush imagination. What story is born in your head?”