About 3,587 churches have been built across Poland since 1945. A new exhibition at London's Calvert 22 Foundation explores the story behind the most exciting -- and out of place -- designs.
About 3,587 churches have been built across Poland since 1945. A new exhibition at London's Calvert 22 Foundation explores the story behind the most exciting -- and out of place -- designs.
Courtesy Igor Snopek
Most of the churches were built by local community groups without official sanction, designed by state-employed architects as passion projects.
Most of the churches were built by local community groups without official sanction, designed by state-employed architects as passion projects.
Courtesy Igor Snopek
Architects employed by state-run construction firms by day approached the design of these buildings as off-book passion projects, resulting in exuberant and ambitious structures that exist in dramatic contrast to the rural communities and regimented urban zones they occupy.
Architects employed by state-run construction firms by day approached the design of these buildings as off-book passion projects, resulting in exuberant and ambitious structures that exist in dramatic contrast to the rural communities and regimented urban zones they occupy.
Courtesy Igor Snopek
"People were not just expecting to build a place to pray, it was also working like a culture center," explains co-curator Izabela Cichonska.
"People were not just expecting to build a place to pray, it was also working like a culture center," explains co-curator Izabela Cichonska.
Courtesy Igor Snopek
"Many intellectuals were involved and the church was a sort of asylum: during 44 years of communism in Poland, you could say something against politics there. It was a safe place," Cichonska says.
"Many intellectuals were involved and the church was a sort of asylum: during 44 years of communism in Poland, you could say something against politics there. It was a safe place," Cichonska says.
Courtesy Igor Snopek