Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie”
Serhiy Savchenko | Painting | Animated Films
14.12.2024 – 17.01.2025
OPENING EVENT:
14.12.2024, 6:00 PM
6:00 PM – Sala Mieszczańska: Film screening
6:30 PM – Gallery: Exhibition opening
EXHIBITION DATES:
15.12.2024 – 17.01.2025, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Venue:
NCK – Old Town Hall
Admission: Free
The exhibition “Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie” was born out of Serhiy Savchenko’s fascination with our city – its diverse architecture and its intriguing, often controversial history.
The presentation includes monumental paintings created over the past three years, the animated trilogy “Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie”, as well as drawings and paintings produced specifically for the animation.
The title of the exhibition and its concept emerged more than a year ago, continuing the artist’s exploration of the subjectivity and relativity of history. In his works, Serhiy Savchenko shows how global phenomena influence local events – an idea reflected in the title “Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie.”
The stories were authored by:
Mateusz Sora – historian and social activist
Arkadiusz Onasch – renowned Gdańsk restaurateur
Andreas Kasperski – Gdańsk native of German descent, tourist guide
Their narratives combine fascinating historical facts about prominent figures of Gdańsk, such as Johannes Hevelius and Daniel Chodowiecki, with personal, sometimes humorous reflections.
Based on these stories, animated films were created. The artist produced more than 12,000 drawings and paintings for the animations, devoting over seven months to the project. The films were financed by the City of Gdańsk under the 2024 Gdańsk Cultural Grant (first edition).
The exhibition is part of the series “Multicultural Pomerania”, which aims to present the cultural and artistic potential of Pomerania’s residents from different countries and traditions. The key idea of the project is to support the artistic initiatives of these communities and help bring their creative visions to life.
Project curator: Tomasz Lipski
Exhibition curator: Monika Konca
Film 1
“O piwie, gwiazdach i królach”
Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie
Text and narration: Mateusz Sora
Artwork, animation, editing, music: Serhiy Savchenko
Production: S~O PRODUCTION
Based on the story by historian and social activist Mateusz Sora, the film presents 18th-century events in Gdańsk and the life and achievements of the outstanding astronomer Johannes Hevelius.
Film 2
“Nasz człowiek oświecenia”
Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie
Text and narration: Arkadiusz Onasch
Concept, artwork, animation, editing: Serhiy Savchenko
Music: AI
Production: S~O PRODUCTION
The second animated film opens with a cheerful greeting: “Dzień dobry, dzień dobry, dzień dobry!” and tells the story of Daniel Chodowiecki.
Film 3
“
O krzyżakach, Prusakach i królowych nocy”
Z dziejów Gdańska. Wybrane historie
Text and narration: Andreas Kasperski
Concept, artwork, animation, editing: Serhiy Savchenko
Music: SS & SEEN
Production: SVS & S~O
This film explores Gdańsk’s history during the Teutonic and Prussian periods, while offering a fascinating look into the nightlife of the medieval city.
BACKSTAGE
FROM THE EXHIBITION AT NCK:
Postcards and prints
Original selected paintings – frames from the animation
