Culture

‘Mystic’ labyrinth immerses Polish viewers in Arthurian legends

Photos: Sonia Szeląd, Silesian Museum
Photos: Sonia Szeląd, Silesian Museum
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The world of Arthurian legends and Celtic myths comes to life at a ‘Return to Avalon’ art exhibition that has opened in the southern Polish city of Katowice.

The exhibition by interdisciplinary artist Jerzy Michał Murawski has the form of a labyrinth populated by theatrical costumes of knights and fairies, as well as other magical beings inspired by Celtic and pagan lore.

At its center is a depiction of Merlin the wizard trapped inside a rock, surrounded by sleeping Knights of the Round Table, awaiting King Arthur’s return from the land of Avalon.

Murawski said: “The exhibition is like a portal to the afterlife, to Avalon – the land where heroes rest, and their fates intertwine with mysticism and magic.

“It is a space full of surprises, in which the journey itself matters more than reaching the goal,” he said, comparing it to the quest for the Holy Grail.

“The Grail is not a material object, but something we carry in our hearts,” he added.

The exhibition’s curator, Magdalena Kędzierska said: “It is a space encouraging reflection and serenity, which we need so much in these times.”

The experience is enhanced by lighting and sound effects, and the museum encourages visitors to get lost inside the labyrinth, which they say is best experienced individually.

The exhibition opened for private viewing on Thursday and during the event, Murawski was presented with the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture for his achievements as a theater and film set designer.

The exhibition opens to the general public on Friday and runs until September 14.
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