Laznia Centre for Contemporary Art

The Centre for Contemporary Art "Łaźnia" manages the project being a part of a broader scope of works aiming at revitalizing Gdańsk's quarter Dolne Miasto - Down Town, an area rich in historical buildings yet nowadays isolated from the centre and degraded. Projects chosen in the 1st edition of the contest are now being realized. This year's edition is devoted to the crossing of two streets: Łąkowa and Podwale Przedmiejskie. The following artists have taken part: Fernando Sanchez Castillo, Ronny Hardliz, Dominik Lejman, Kriss Salmanis, Esther Stocker and Tania Lopez Winkler.
First one of the two projects awarded ex aequo first prize, Untitled by Esther Stocker, was esteemed to respond to the priorities of the 2nd Edition of the Outer Gallery in the most interesting and vivid way. The jury apprieciated the attempt at working out and implementing positive aesthetic changes into Dolne Miasto, this year specifically to the crucial point of the underground passage located between Old Town and Łąkowa Street, linking two diverse parts of the quarter. Esther Stocker's project - a huge public mural painted on the dominating element of the overground shelter over the exit from the passage - reaches two goals at one time: firstly, it inserts structure into the chaotic area along the main street by use of an arranging pattern; secondly, it adorns the neglected fragment of public space.
The second winning project, Staging Anonymous by Dominik Lejman, completes Esther Stocker's overground mural. It focuses on feelings experienced by viewers/pedestrians going through the tunnel. Honour of distinction went to Kriss Salmanis' work Whisper Bridge whose quality of sculpture corresponds with the attempt at evoking an instant sensual experience. The jury appreciated the participatory character of the project, its intention to transform urban experience into a more subjective and personal place for contemplation and its inner humour. The opening of the exhibition will include the ceremony of presenting awards to the honoured artists.

BIP

Municipal Institution of Culture