Through Polish-American EyesThe Art of Alice Wadowski-Bak
TOURINGEXHIBITION
The daughter of immigrant parents, artist Alice
Wadowski-Bak (1935-2008) grew up in a thriving
Catholic, Polish-American community in Niagara
Falls, NY. Throughout her life, Bak created
numerous works that drew inspiration from the
rich seasonal and liturgical customs and the
traditional arts that had surrounded her.
Offering examples of Bak’s work in different
media–paintings,
line drawings,
and traditional
paper-cuts
(wycinanki),
Through Polish-
American Eyes
is largely
arranged to
follow the
annual seasonal
celebrations
of Polish-
Americans,
both sacred and
secular, that take place in parish churches
and family homes. The show, as a whole,
demonstrates Bak’s deep engagement with
religious and Polish-American identity. Lavishly
detailed, the featured black and white
illustrations and cheerful paintings teem with
references to specific material culture and
customary practice. The delicate, lace-like
wycinanki give beautiful form to traditional verbal
arts–Polish folktales and proverbs. They were
originally created as illustrations for two
collections of Polish folklore compiled by
researcher Joanne Asala, Polish Folklore and
Myth (Penfield Press 2001) and Polish Proverbs
(Penfield Press 1995).
Barbara Frackiewicz, a friend and fellow artist
of Bak’s, reminds
us that “culture
lends a framework
for experiencing
life–for celebrating,
for worshipping, for
being.” Culture
also trains our
eyes, giving
historical
significance to
color, line and
form. Bak’s work
has the power to
evoke continuity within change, pulling other
times and places into the present. It transports
us, offering us a glimpse of the sustaining
beauty made available through collective wisdom
and celebration. At once nostalgic and forward-
looking, Bak’s illustrations and paper-cuts
demonstrate a sharp observation of lived
experience touched by a hope for its continued
relevance.
castellaniartmuseum.orgNiagara University, NY 14109-1938716.286.8200 fax: 716.286.8289
Number of works77 framed works accompaniedby informative text panels
Exhibition Space150-200 running feet
Exhibition Period8-10 weeks
InsuranceMust be provided by exhibition venue
Rental Fee$2,000 plus shipping
PublicationFull color exhibition brochureincluded
ContactCarrie HertzCurator of Folk ArtsCastellani Art MuseumNiagara University, NY [email protected]
The Flower Queen’s Daughter, 2001,wycinanki (cut paper)
Blessed Easter Basket, 2000, ink on paper
Child Looking for Star, 1988,ink on paper