We cordially invite you to attend the exhibition opening of Marcin Gołąb’s “it’s only temporary.” As a student of Film, Television, and Photography at the Kieślowski Film School in Katowice, Gołąb presents an intriguing collection of works. The event will take place on January 9th at 6:00 PM at Marszałkowska 18 in Warsaw. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the exhibition until February 11, 2023. We hope to see you there.

In this photographic series, Gołąb takes us on a journey to a remote village in the Bieszczady Mountains. The raw shots illustrate the essence of living with only the bare necessities. This solemn microcosm may seem foreign to most of us, yet it is mesmerizing in its own right. The thought of living in the middle of the forest, in a small house, without electricity or running water, is simultaneously perplexing and attractive. At a crucial time when it seems as if the planet is approaching the end of its lifespan, Gołąb prompts contemplation on how little is required to survive. In addition, he draws attention to the temporal nature of photography, thus unveiling a deeper purpose. When we look at each individual piece, we get the impression that something is about to happen—an insect will flee, a gust of wind may cause the bottle to topple, or an arrow may hit the target. It’s as if we’re gazing at freeze frames from a movie that’s about to be played. The changes in perception and reality brought about by the pandemic gave Gołąb a heightened sense of timing, enabling him to capture the perfect moment and freeze the frame in his photographic series.

“It’s only temporary” is also a story about a nonconformist life and a tribute in honor of the beauty and power of nature. Gołąb’s images are reminiscent of Henry David Thoreau’s essays from almost 200 years ago. Both individuals are similar in many respects. They lived in self-built, austere homes for about two years, leaving behind the trappings of contemporary civilization. Like Thoreau, Gołąb turns the spotlight on submitting to nature and becoming self-reliant by minimizing his needs. In Gołąb’s images, the protagonist observes the new reality from outside the frame, which allows him the ability to marvel at the true beauty of nature. The winter landscapes dominate human interference, and the latter gradually becomes inappropriate and disruptive to the observer’s eyes. The silence and peace emanating from the images permeate the narrative. In this microcosm, nature prevails, and man is left contemplating his place in it.

Gołąb, born in Rzeszów in 1992, was raised in the Bieszczady Mountains. His work showcases emotions and creativity rooted within the Polish documentary heritage. Gołąb also studied cinematography at the Higher School of Art and Design in Łódź.