Geografia a wnętrze socrealistyczne. Między obfitością a wykluczeniem

Abstract

The geography and interior design of social realism in Poland. Between abundance and exclusion

Social realism in the context of the art geography is a multidimensional phenomenon and a complex research issue. The Polish interiors of 1949–1956, although submitted to the doctrinal rules, presented different forms and styles. One of the factors influencing their difference was the location which determined the prestige of the investment and its financing. The most representative, abundant interiors were created in Warsaw, Upper Silesia and Zagłębie, in Kraków (especially in Nowa Huta), south-eastern Poland, and Gdańsk, places of significant political meaning. The Western (regained) Territories, due to their uncertain political status, were almost erased from the investment map. However, we should remember about the “pragmatic” interiors that were constructed in the Regained Territories — i.e. Wrocław — such as cafes or shops in rebuilt or existing buildings. The problem of the location of the social realist interiors is much more complex and concerns the postwar change in artistic geography. The migration of the creators, the establishment of new artistic and architectural centres caused a mix of ideas and traditions. However, it is difficult to talk about the centrally controlled “regionalization” of creation, especially since the significant factor, apart from location and geography, was personal, or individual. I suggest analysing the selected interiors from three centres: Wrocław, Gdańsk, Kraków - Nowa Huta.