On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Galeria Kapitańska became a space for a unique encounter with art and memory. A posthumous exhibition was held for Maria Majcher – a young artist who passed away suddenly, before her formal artistic debut. The event was a heartfelt tribute from her family, friends, and teachers, showcasing Maria’s creative legacy from various stages of her life.
The exhibition featured works from her time at the Secondary School of Fine Arts in Koszalin, as well as from her first year at the Academy of Art in Szczecin,, which Maria began in 2022. Works created outside the curriculum were also presented – personal, intuitive, and often very emotional.
Maria often portraited family members and people from her immediate surroundings. In her work, she also took up important and current social topics, including the issues of the war in Ukraine. She used painting, drawing, and printmaking, and drew inspiration, among others, from Orthodox and Catholic iconography, also creating images of saints.
Her works show great sensitivity, authenticity, and an original way of perceiving the world..
During the opening, Marta Kołodziejska – Maria’s teacher and co-organizer of the exhibition – took the floor. She emphasized not only her talent and sensitivitybut also the immense generositywith which Maria gifted others with her art. She noted that Galeria Kapitańska was a special place and worthy of her first exhibition, which many people had sought. She also mentioned the tragic events of a year ago, which forever left a mark on the memory of the artist's loved ones.
On this special evening, the tragically deceased Maria was remembered by her sister. She spoke about her independence and the need to create on her own terms. Maria did not conform to patterns or imposed paths – she was an individualist, a sensitive person, brave and not afraid to touch upon difficult, sometimes controversial topics..
In Maria's work, an important role was played by Frida Kahlo, whom she considered her artistic guide. One of her last credit assignments referred directly to the legacy of the Mexican painter. Maria often recalled Kahlo's quote:
"Feet, what do I need them for if I have wings to fly?"
These words in a special way reflect her attitude towards life and art..
Maria was also remembered by Prof. Wiesława Markiewicz, a lecturer and painting teacher, emphasizing her authenticity and naturalness. She pointed out that Maria never pretended to be someone else and always remained herself – both as an artist and as a human being.
Finally, a few words were said by Maria’s close friend – Agata, sharing a personal, simple, and at the same time extremely moving memory.
The exhibition of Maria Majcher's works could be viewed at Galeria Kapitańska until November 2, 2024.
The works she left behind have taken on a special meaning today – they are a testimony to her sensitivity, talent, and presence, which, despite everything, still continues..
Great thanks should be given here to Ms. Marta Kołodziejska for organizing the event and to Ms. Irena Osina for providing Galeria Kapitańska and for her kind heart.
