JAN ADAM LEś
Reflection on our civilisation I

This is one of my most recent works, the first from the ‘Reflection on our civilisation’ series. The idea for exploring this subject was born long time ago and it is reflected in different ways in some of my earlier works. The composition is simple, with reduced number of elements and tones. The key object used in this composition, the Christ the thoughtful wooden carving is a ‘rejected item’ that was thrown away from someone’s home. He has found place in my home and has waited a long time to finally become a part of this work. Rotten, dry fruits and dry plants are ‘useless items’ I have collected with the aim to use in my works. All these items provide a symbolic context for this work and set a space for reflection on future of our civilisation.

Author
I have practised photography for more than 40 years, beginning during my university studies in Kraków, Poland, where I became drawn to the expressive potential of black-and-white imagery. At that time, I also collaborated with my late brother, Zbigniew, on experimental artworks. Together, we founded the Micro-Macro art group, exploring links between art and science. My first solo exhibition, featuring the black-and-white Micro-Macro series, was held in Kraków in 1986.
For me, photography is a way to express an artistic vision rather than simply record reality. As I often say, my photographs are “made”, not taken. This view brings photography close to painting, highlighting the creative process and the deliberate construction of an image.
Some of my recent works explore relationships between visual imagery, music and poetry. Others are more allegorical, engaging with fundamental questions of the human condition and core values of Western civilisation.

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