From the sacred to the profane. Sculpture and painting in folk art is the only exhibition which shows the output of nearly 60 artists from the Świętokrzyskie Region in one place. The exhibition comprises nearly 400 exhibits. They are sculptures made of wood and clay and paintings on canvas, board and paper. The oldest works are of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and the youngest are from the twenty-first century. Their authors are people who created out of their deep inner need, often despite a lack of understanding and abject poverty.

Selected masterpieces are arranged according to themes. This unique journey starts in the divine world – the sacred – and then the path leads to the real world we know so well – the profane. Such a display also reflects the chronology, as folk art was initially only religious in nature. Therefore, a large group of works shows scenes from the lives of Christ and Mary, who held a special place in the hearts of the faithful and their cult was widespread in Poland.

Saints also played a substantial role in those societies. They were believed to have magical power – they could heal, help in helpless cases, guard against lightning or protect animals against diseases. Paintings or statues of saints were placed by the windows during storms, taken out to the fire and even placed in barns.

After the Second World War, the scope of themes undertaken by folk artists was extended by scenes from the everyday life of villagers, and scenes referring to historical events. This part of the exhibition includes works depicting both daily hardship: potato lifting, hay cutting, harvesting, and annual colourful ceremonies: Eastern customs, carol singing and joyful moments: weddings, feasts and visits at the market.

Viewing masterpieces of artists well-recognised not only in Poland, but also abroad, it is worth reading the descriptions of their lives. Artists’ biographies are made available on the touch screen.