Bold – Women Artists of the Interwar Period in Paris and Zakopane

The temporary exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane is a tribute to the women who dared to create on their own terms—despite the challenges of the times they lived in. Set within a colorful, dynamic, and expertly designed space, the exhibition immerses visitors in the world of art created by Polish women who found their artistic path between Paris and the Tatra Mountains. Alongside well-known names, the show also highlights lesser-known artists whose work is only now receiving the recognition it deserves.

The curators of the exhibition, Zofia Radwańska and Artur Winiarski, present the stories of women who were courageous not only in their art but in life. These were artists who ventured to Paris to refine their skills and absorb the avant-garde spirit of the metropolis, often returning later to the Tatras to blend modernity with the soul of highland tradition.

The exhibition features works by, among others, Alicja Halicka, Mela Muter, Olga Boznańska, Zofia Stryjeńska, and Irena Weiss. Paintings, drawings, prints, and set designs come together to form a moving narrative about female strength and creative independence.

The interior of the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane
The exhibition space of “Courageous” at the Tatra Museum – the art of women who had the courage to be themselves.
Portrait of a woman at the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane
Portrait of one of the “Courageous” – the feminine world as seen through the eyes of artists of the Second Polish Republic.
Paintings depicting women at the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane
Sensitivity and the strength of gaze – women artists of the interwar period at the Tatra Museum.
The interior of the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane, presenting paintings by women artists of the interwar years
Images by women and about women – the “Courageous” exhibition in Zakopane invites reflection on the creativity and independence of women artists.

Maja Berezowska – Featured Only Here

Among the works on display is a piece by Maja Berezowska—an artist known for her uncompromising style, bold illustrations, and subtle eroticism. Her work is rarely showcased in mountain-region museums, which makes the inclusion of one of her watercolors—depicting a nude female figure with a black dog—especially remarkable. This intimate, almost symbolic piece adds an extra layer to the exhibition: one of tenderness, sensuality, and artistic freedom.

We invite you to read our dedicated article about Maja Berezowska, where we explore her fascinating life story and controversial career. Warsaw knows her well—her works can be found in the city’s museums and galleries, and her biography reads like a ready-made film script.

🔗 Discover Maja Berezowska – read more on ekompas.pl »

A watercolor by Maja Berezowska featuring a female figure and a panther, displayed at the “Bold” exhibition in Zakopane.
Maja Berezowska – the only artwork by the artist featured at the “Bold” exhibition, both subtle and fierce at once.
A collage depicting elegant women and horse racing at the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum
Collage from the “Courageous” exhibition – a detailed world of women in the interwar period.

Between the Tatras and Mazovia – Two Worlds of Art

It’s worth noting that the “Bold” exhibition is not just a story about art—it also offers a glimpse into the female experience of the interwar period through the lens of two contrasting worlds: Paris and Zakopane. The latter is represented not only by the featured artists but also by figures from the world of literature and music—most notably composer Karol Szymanowski.

Just a few steps from the Tatra Museum is Villa Atma, a museum dedicated to this extraordinary musician. In our article about Villa Atma, you’ll discover how Szymanowski’s work was deeply intertwined with the spirit of the mountains and the richness of highland folklore.

🔗 Visit Villa Atma with us – read more on ekompas.pl »

Landscapes of Paris and the Tatras at the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane
An artistic dialogue between Paris and Zakopane – landscapes through women’s eyes at the “Courageous” exhibition.
Exhibition space of the “Courageous” exhibition at the Tatra Museum in Zakopane
The interior of the “Courageous” exhibition in Zakopane – a dialogue of art, color, and female courage.

Also Check Out Our Article on the Tatra Museum

If you’d like to learn more about the institution itself—its history and remarkable collections—be sure to read our guide to the Tytus Chałubiński Tatra Museum in Zakopane. It’s a place where the region’s history meets art, nature, and ethnography.

🔗 Discover the Tatra Museum in Zakopane – read more on ekompas.pl »

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