As you know, the town hall of this small Polish town (with 20 thousand inhabitants) for already 14 years invites students from 10 leading Polish universities and the Institute of Architecture of Lviv Polytechnic to its plein airs.
Due to amazing energy and enthusiasm of the Associate Professor at the Department of Design and Architecture Fundamentals Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska, the town hall of Chelmno has brought to University an exhibition of the best paintings of Polish students with a catalog of works of competition winners during the 2004–2015 period. Overcoming various organizational challenges, she and her best students have not missed a single plein air since 2004.
At the solemn opening of the exhibition, the Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Lviv, Rafal Wolski gave a welcoming speech. He said, in particular, that the work of an architect is close and familiar to him, as it is his father’s profession. Mr. Consul emphasized that academic community and students must do as much as possible to strengthen the friendship and cooperation of our two nations.
The director in charge of the Institute of Architecture, the Associate Professor Yaroslav Rakoshyi reminded that the spirit of Polish painting is constantly present in the main building of University, referring to the Assembly Hall, decorated with a series of canvases Triumph of Progress, created under the guidance of prominent Polish artist Jan Matejko.
The delegation of Chelmno town hall was headed by Magda Ludwikowska, the Deputy Mayor for education, culture and promotions. She gave a brief interview.
– How do you appreciate the paintings of Lviv architects and designers?
– There was not a year when Lviv Polytechnicians did not win prize at plein air in Chelmno. We know the style of their work right away. It is extremely realistic, with thorough elaboration of the smallest technical details.
– Last year there was some tension in Polish-Ukrainian relations, so I wonder what locals’ attitude is to Lvivvites.
– Students live in a small house on the lake shore. It takes at least three kilometers to the place of work. Often, the residents of Chelmno give them a lift, bring tea and cakes, and so forth. We have many Ukrainian citizens and their reputation is very good. Chelmno maintain relationships with Kaniv, where Taras Shevchenko, the great Ukrainian genius, is buried.
After the solemn opening of the exhibition Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska arranged for the Polish guests a tour to famous castles of Lviv region. They were fascinated with what they saw and expressed hope that all these monuments of architecture would be preserved.
Photo by Yosyp Marukhniak
