The exhibition ‘Polish Artists-Painters-Soldiers in Egypt 1941-1946’ was opened at the Museum of Fine Arts in Alexandria, featuring works by Polish artists Józef Jarema, Edward Matuszczak, Jerzy Młodnicki and Kordian Zamorski.

During the ceremonial opening of the exhibition, Deputy Minister of Culture and National Heritage and General Conservator Dr Jarosław Sellin recalled the history of the formation of the Polish armed forces, pointing out that they included former soldiers of the Polish Army, prisoners of the Gulags, civilians including a large number of artists and people of culture.

“The fate of refugees, the trauma of the loss of loved ones, the hardships of the war trail and post-war wandering, and finally life away from the homeland, became the lot of many of them. The events of 1939 and the loss of territory, resulted in places outside the borders of our country, which for centuries played an important cultural role, as scientific centres, centres of religious and artistic life”, added Sellin.

He recalled that in 2021, the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage sent Professor Jan Wiktor Sienkiewicz, an eminent specialist, art historian and researcher of Polish émigré art, to Alexandria to identify and describe the paintings in the Museum of Fine Arts in Alexandria. Subsequently, the Ministry financed conservation work that restored the paintings to their former glory”, said Jarosław Sellin.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue that documents the works of Polish soldier-artists.

“May they be a reminder of history and proof that art can flourish even in the most difficult times of wartime exile, providing respite and bringing an element of freedom. May they be for all visitors a beautiful encounter with Polish heritage found outside the country”, added Deputy Minister Sellin.

Adrian Andrzejewski