Portret

The initial period of the history of photographic portraiture was the time of the undivided rule of a few photographers. A visit to their atelier, combined with long and tiring posing, was more like torture than the joyful fun we associate with the activity of photography today. From the moment the invention of photography was announced in 1839, photography progressed rapidly and the number of photographers grew exponentially. Over time, a completely new relationship developed between the photographer and the photographed, in which the original oppression gave way to mutual fascination, often with a distinctly erotic tinge. The balance of power was fluid and negotiable every time.

In the 20th century anyone could be a photographer and the aesthetics of photography also changed. Loosening old patterns and progressing freedom of frames were connected with mass appearance of non-professional photographers. It was supposed to cause a drop in the level of photography, but in fact it contributed to the enrichment of its means of expression. At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, professionals even began to consciously use the aesthetics of error typical of amateur photography. While in the past photographs were created to commemorate reality, nowadays the act of taking pictures often seems to be oriented towards the author's immediate "promotion". The world has become crowded with people constantly recording and publicizing their daily lives and increasingly themselves on social media, as evidenced by the growing popularity of the selfie.

Visiting the exhibition is possible only with a minimum of three days' notice. Contact details can be found on the Museum's website.