The Polish Nationwide Exhibition of Children’s and Youth’s

100 Images

A hundred works were selected for the exhibition. We like round numbers. They allow us to think about something bigger. For example, anniversaries. 100 years ago, Man Ray created one of the most famous nudes in photography. At the same time, we are somewhat afraid of them. In the store, we are more likely to reach for an item priced with nines. Contemporary photography has much in common with marketing, and in fact, it always has. Daguerre wanted to make a fortune, and then others came with similar intentions. There were also those who wanted something different. Atget took photos of Paris for his painter friends to buy. He probably did not expect they would be willing to pay much. Marketing constantly suggests to amateur photographers to buy better equipment. I calculated that the value of all the cameras used to create the photos for the exhibition amounted to 104,550 zł, considering the prices of used equipment. When we sum up the total exposure time of all the photos, we get 65 seconds. Comparing these two values, we can conclude that moments are indeed precious for photographers. But what can statistics say about the creative process, which is exceptional by definition? The median value of the equipment was 1,300 zł. So, it was not necessary to spend a fortune on a camera to be part of the exhibition. This average, when analyzed in large image collections, no longer evokes pity. Complex algorithms called artificial intelligence create libraries from available photos, and journalists and creators debate whether AI is a tool that allows creating original works based on massive amounts of average images. The photos presented at the exhibition are the work of human intelligence. However, it is not about reflecting on whether indistinguishable machine images will be found in the next edition. It is about 100 moments (the longest exposure time is 30 seconds, the shortest is only 1/3000s) of surprise at the world. Wonder, reflection, fascination. Such an algorithm is not yet found. Actually, it is. In us. In our perception of the world.

Andrzej Górski

Authors of the photos

Zofia Ginszt, Hanna Kwapień, Mateusz Nowiczenko

Exhibition Availability

An open-air exhibition, presented around the MDK facility on Żabia Street, near the monument to the Ghetto Insurgents. Exhibition available: 28.06 – 20.10.2024; free of charge; 24 hours