The DESA Unicum space at 1A Piękna Street has opened another instalment of the project “Contemporary Art. Works on Paper” – one of the most important exhibition and auction cycles in Poland, devoted to a medium that has been attracting both experienced collectors and those just beginning their adventure with the art market for years. The exhibition will conclude with an auction of the presented works.
This is a unique edition, not only because of the prestige of the names presented, but also because of the broad time span, covering works created between 1940 and 2025. Among them are both museum-quality objects and sketches, watercolours and experiments on paper that are rarely seen on the market.
Auctions of contemporary works on paper have been organised regularly several times a year for almost 10 years. In 2018, the first two auction projects were held under the auspices of Contemporary Art. Works on Paper, while in 2019 there were already three auctions of this type. The project proved to be a success, and since 2020 we have been organising four auctions of this type per year, two per season,“ emphasises exhibition coordinator and auction house expert Agata Matusielańska.
2026 edition
This year’s edition stands out for its exceptionally carefully constructed narrative. The catalogue includes works of an almost “encyclopaedic” nature – those that synthetically show the language of artists such as Wojciech Fangor, Andrzej Wróblewski, Tadeusz Kantor, Jan Tarasin and Alfred Lenica. It is a collection that not only documents the history of the Polish avant-garde, but also creates a coherent narrative of its transformations. The diversity of the works is definitely greater.
We consistently ensure that each auction presents the highest level and includes key names in the history of Polish contemporary art. The current edition stands out with its carefully composed selection, which includes works with limited availability on the market and those of museum quality, including works by Erna Rosenstein and Maria Jarema, adds the expert.
85 years of art on paper
The oldest item on offer is Maria Jarema’s 1940 monotype “Postać” (Figure) – a work created during the turmoil of war, which is rare and highly valued. The newest is Henryk Cześnik’s composition “Parawany w kolejce na rentgen” (Screens in the X-ray queue) from 2025. Some of the works have approximate dates, which, as Agata Matusielańska explains, is the result of meticulous analysis.
We determine the date based on stylistic and material analysis, comparisons with other works and archival research. We consult with specialised experts, heirs and foundations, she explains.
Gems of the collection: from Wróblewski to Jaremianka
Among the most valuable items are works by artists who have made a lasting mark on the history of post-war Polish art: Andrzej Wróblewski, Wojciech Fangor, Tadeusz Kantor and Alfred Lenica. One of the most intriguing objects is a collection of notes and drawings by Zbigniew Makowski, made on the pages of Annie Besant’s theosophical treatise – extremely personal material that reveals the artist’s thought process. Another rarity is a stage design project by Maria Jarema, associated with the Cricot and Cricot 2 theatres – a rare object of exceptional value for collectors interested in the history of avant-garde theatre.
How is the selection made?
The selection of works is based on market analysis, but also on the observation of institutional trends. That is why the DESA Unicum auction house reached for the names of the most sought-after artists. The medium was also key: watercolours, sketches and ink works on paper.
Works on paper are often the first step in building a collection – it is the format that many people start with. They are bought by both seasoned collectors and those just entering the world of art. We also see a strong group of younger collectors: the lower price threshold means that they can start right away with the classics of the avant-garde, sums up Agata Matusielańska.
The exhibition is available at DESA Unicum at 1A Piękna Street in Warsaw. The final auction will take place on 5 February at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast online. More HERE.
The high-quality photos in this publication were taken with a SIGMA BF @sigmafotopolska camera, which is our partner.
source: editorial team
Read also: Culture | Art | Events | Warsaw | Recommended | whiteMAD on Instagram
