“A World Rekindled”: An Intimate Photographic Portrait of Hasidic Communities Around the World
Polish photographer Agnieszka Traczewska presents an intimate portrait of the life and celebrations of Hasidic communities around the world in its exhibition “A World Revived”, open to the public until May 28 at the Galerie d'Outremont.
After exhibiting her never-before-seen photos of Hasidic Jewish communities around the world, Polish photographer Agnieszka Traczewska unveils her exhibition A World Revived in Montreal, which reveals a universe usually hidden from outsiders.
Ms. Traczewska has spent fifteen years documenting the daily life of Hasidim from one continent to another, motivated by the minimization of the presence and participation of Jews in Polish history and society by the communist authorities after 1945. It thus celebrates the revival of Hasidism after the Holocaust.
Agnieszka Traczewska”s “A World Rekindled” exhibit in Outremont. Photo: Karla Meza, Subway
“I wanted to keep the memory of those who disappeared in my country alive,” said the photographer at the opening of her exhibition at the Galerie d'Outremont on April 18, Holocaust Memorial Day in Canada (Yom HaShoah). .
The exhibition on view until May 28 highlights a selection of photos from his book A Rekindled World, which testifies to the rebirth of the Hasidim beyond Eastern Europe, Israel, the United States, Brazil and Belgium, in particular.
Works by Polish photographer Agnieszka Traczewska. Photo: Karla Meza, Metro
Immersion in their living environment
Being a woman and not being a Jew herself, the Krakow-born artist managed to earn the trust of the Hasidim during the years she spent documenting their lives and customs. This is reflected in his beautifully constructed images, which reveal an intimate portrait of the contemporary Hasidic community.
When you cross the border and immerse yourself in Hasidic culture, you discover a world completely different from the one you see from the 'exterior.
Agnieszka Traczewska
“I am impressed to see the privileged access she had to the life and celebrations of our community,” expressed the representative of the Council of Hasidic Jews of Quebec, Mayer Feig, during the opening.
< p>
Agnieszka Traczewska, Laurent Desbois, Dariusz Wiśniewski and Mayer Feig at the opening of the Un monde revived exhibition at Galerie d’Outremont. Photo: Karla Meza
Reopening a chapter of history
Outremont Mayor Laurent Desbois praised the partnership between the borough and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland, which makes it possible to highlight the artist's work in Montreal, where Hasidic Jews have been present for a long time. the 1880s.
“Holding this extraordinary exhibition in Outremont demonstrates our desire to build bridges between the various communities,” he said.
Opening of the exhibition “A world revived” on Hasidic Jewish communities. Photo: Karla Meza, Metro
The Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Montreal, Dariusz Wiśniewski, for his part, is delighted with the showcase offered to the work of his compatriot, essential, according to him, for understanding a forgotten chapter of the Polish history.
“From the end of the Holocaust to the beginning of the democratic transition in 1990, the Jewish community was erased from Polish history despite their presence for nearly nine centuries. Today we are trying to recognize their presence and make up for lost time,” he stressed.
Guided tours, conferences and intercultural activities will be organized for the duration of the exhibition. A revived world, which is part of the activities of the Outremont Cultural Development Plan 2021-2026.
This text was produced as part of The Local Journalism Initiative.
