Kampinos National Park, 2009
"Artists from the Cytadela painting group — the Land Forces Club, from Jacek Bukowski's studio — and from the Union of Polish Painters and Graphic Artists took the initiative to mark the 50th anniversary of Kampinos National Park by taking part in several plein-air sessions held in the forest. They painted its charms — from nature's spring awakening, through the riot of summer green, to the autumn festival of colour. Long walks, close observation, listening to the music of the forest and conversations with the Park's staff produced a wealth of painting material. In a sense, it is an individual discovery of the forest's secrets. After all, every painting is a record of perceived reality, enriched by the artist's emotions or expressed through them.
This material shows a fascination with the beauty of the Mazovian landscape — a beauty that has to be defended in a never-ending battle. In this sense the exhibition is also an appeal to society for respect for the natural environment, a respect that guarantees the survival of our species.
Looking at the works, we want to believe that a friendly relationship with nature lies in human nature."
— Lt. Col. Edward Nowak, Head of the Land Forces Club
The exhibition was on view from 17 April to 20 May 2009 at the KPN Education Centre.