There were stones. There was music. There was motion – and stillness.
The last Saturday of July brought more than just an art event. The vernissage of the exhibition “A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” by Kseniia Zhizhiy and Michał Szpak, organized by Leopolis for Future, became an extraordinary meeting of art, emotion, and community.
Held in the exhibition spaces of the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk, the event gathered many guests – friends of the Foundation, artists, partners, and a large group of Leopolis for Future Alumni Club members. The evening was a celebration of creativity and dialogue that transcended borders and languages.
Kseniia Zhizhiy, a sculptor from Lviv, presented ceramic forms created from, among other materials, chamotte clay sourced from the Donbas region. Her works speak of loss, sorrow, longing for home, but also of resilience and the hope of rebuilding. Filled with emotion, substance, and silence – they invite reflection on the power of the individual and community in the face of historical turmoil.
Michał Szpak, a visual artist from the Tricity area, presented a series of works based on line, rhythm, and contemplation. His art is a metaphysical journey into the depths of human experience – between movement and stillness, between reality and imagination.
The exhibition was not only a meeting of two artistic voices, but also a manifestation of Polish-Ukrainian friendship. In times of uncertainty and challenge, art – as was reminded during the evening – becomes a bridge that connects people, cultures, and values.
During the evening, we also hosted a charity auction titled “Wings of Solidarity”, aimed at raising funds for the development of initiatives by the Leopolis for Future Alumni Club – including the support of projects created and led by its members.
A single, exceptional artwork was auctioned: the diptych “Wings of Solidarity” by Małgorzata Waluszewska.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Artist for this moving gesture of solidarity and trust.
“A Time to Gather Stones – Life in Motion” is a story of identity, transformation, and hope. It is also a reminder that the future – like art – does not emerge in silence. It is born through dialogue, openness, and movement.
We warmly thank the City Culture Institute in Gdańsk for their generous hospitality and for providing the exhibition space. It is thanks to you that this evening took place in such a special atmosphere.
We also thank all the guests for their presence and the emotions that made the evening truly unforgettable.