In the heart of Warsaw, at 91 Solidarności Avenue, a mural commemorating Emilian Kaminski – actor, director and founder of the Kamienica Theatre – has appeared. The project carried out by the institution is an expression of gratitude for the artist’s contribution to Polish culture. Its initiative was conceived shortly after Kaminski’s death in early 2023. After months of intensive preparation, paperwork and searching for funding, the mural by Marek Grela was completed thanks to the support of the budget of the Mazovian Voivodeship as part of the ‘Strategy for the development of culture in the Mazovian Voivodeship for 2023-2027’.
The mural is more than just an image – it is a space carrying a profound message. It was inspired by the book ‘Emilian Kaminski. Director of Dreams’ – a river interview in which many of the artist’s reflections were recorded. The central element of the project is a quote: “Life is the highest value. There is nothing more precious than life“. These words were chosen as the essence of the values that guided Emilian Kaminski and as an appeal to the audience to appreciate life.
Photo: Rafał Latoszek
The mural depicts a curtain and an auditorium, which symbolise Emilian Kamiński’s greatest passion – the theatre. A unique element is the reproduction of armchairs from the auditorium of the Kamienica Theatre, on which the artist Marek Grela has placed the figures of masters and authorities particularly close to the actor’s heart. They include Father Jerzy Popiełuszko, Aleksander Bardini, Adam Hanuszkiewicz, Andrzej Łapicki, Gustaw Holoubek and Tadeusz Łomnicki – personalities who shaped the history of Polish theatre and culture.
The symbols associated with Emilian Kamiński’s beloved city were not forgotten either – the mural was enriched with the Warsaw Mermaid and the Frederic Chopin statue, reflecting his closeness to Warsaw and his love of Chopin’s music. One of the most touching elements is the empty space in the audience – a symbol of space for reflection, encouraging the viewer to think personally about the message of the mural. The final shape of the project was determined by the recommendations of the Bureau of Architecture and Spatial Planning, thanks to which the work blends so well with the landscape of the area.
The unveiling of the mural was an event of special symbolism. The ceremony was attended by Emilian Kamiński’s relatives, including his wife, Justyna Sieńczyłło, who is the director of the Kamienica Theatre.
“Emilian has not been with us for almost two years now, but he is in every corner of his beloved theatre, he is in our hearts and always will be. If anyone knew him, they would give me the reaction that Emilian loved people and loved life and appreciated it above all else. And when he became ill, he savoured it even more deeply and consciously and always knew what was most important. And this maxim I hope will be seen by passers-by, will be seen by our audiences, from the little ones, to the youngsters, to the slightly older ones. I firmly believe that maybe it will help someone” – said the actor’s wife.
“He himself would have washed my head off absolutely for this mural, because he was a really modest man. But Miluś, forgive me, the 20 years you devoted to this tenement made you a certain symbol of the fight for the safety of this place, and I trust that it will always be a cultural home for all Varsovians, for tourists, for kids from all over Poland, whom we are honoured to host,” Justyna Sieńczyłło added. She also thanked the Warsaw authorities for their help, especially Deputy Mayor Renata Kaznowska and Aldona Machnowska-Góra, also present at the event. Actors, friends of the artist and other representatives of the city and provincial authorities were also present.
Emilian Kamiński’s mural is not only a memento of an outstanding artist, but also an inspiration. It reminds us of the universal values he conveyed through his life and work – love of art, respect for life and commitment to culture.
Design: Marek Grela
Source: Kamienica Theatre
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