One Vision, Parallel Realities
Exhibition
p_art Galerie des Polnischen Instituts Am Gestade 7, Polnisches Institut Wien, 1010 Wien
16.10.—30.1.2026
Artists: Broniarek Romuald
Curator: Katarzyna Broniarek-Niemczycka
“One Vision, Parallel Realities” is an exhibition showcasing pictures from the archive of Romuald Broniarek, a prominent photographer in socialist Poland. He was tasked with documenting the socialist visual narrative: parades, factory visits, industrial and agricultural successes of the Soviet bloc, the rebuilding of post-war Poland, and its seemingly flourishing culture. The exhibition explores the contrast between the official socialist narrative and the underlying realities captured by Broniarek. His photos, often taken in passing, challenge the idealized vision of Poland promoted by the government. The exhibition highlights images that reveal parts of reality not meant to be seen, emphasizing the difference between scripted propaganda and actual life. Poland was meant to be shown as the country it had been officially aspiring to be, never the way it actually looked and felt. From monumental construction projects to carefully choreographed Labor Day parades, we see a society and an economy that is thriving—or do we only see an ambition or scenario for the future that was never meant to be? This raises the question of whether it is a documentary record or a construct based purely on fiction.
Attention: For details on accessibility, please contact the program partner directly.
Attention: For details on accessibility, please contact the program partner directly.
Mon12–4 PM
Tue12–4 PM
Wed12–4 PM
Thu12–4 PM
Fri10 AM–3 PM
free entry Barrier-free
Artists: Broniarek Romuald
Curator: Katarzyna Broniarek-Niemczycka
“One Vision, Parallel Realities” is an exhibition showcasing pictures from the archive of Romuald Broniarek, a prominent photographer in socialist Poland. He was tasked with documenting the socialist visual narrative: parades, factory visits, industrial and agricultural successes of the Soviet bloc, the rebuilding of post-war Poland, and its seemingly flourishing culture. The exhibition explores the contrast between the official socialist narrative and the underlying realities captured by Broniarek. His photos, often taken in passing, challenge the idealized vision of Poland promoted by the government. The exhibition highlights images that reveal parts of reality not meant to be seen, emphasizing the difference between scripted propaganda and actual life. Poland was meant to be shown as the country it had been officially aspiring to be, never the way it actually looked and felt. From monumental construction projects to carefully choreographed Labor Day parades, we see a society and an economy that is thriving—or do we only see an ambition or scenario for the future that was never meant to be? This raises the question of whether it is a documentary record or a construct based purely on fiction.
Attention: For details on accessibility, please contact the program partner directly.
Attention: For details on accessibility, please contact the program partner directly.
Events related to this exhibition:
| 18.30 Uhr
“One Vision, Parallel Realities” is an exhibition showcasing pictures from the archive of Romuald Broniarek, a prominent photographer in socialist Poland. He was tasked with documenting the socialist visual narrative: parades, factory visits, industrial and...
Opening hours:
Mon12–4 PM
Tue12–4 PM
Wed12–4 PM
Thu12–4 PM
Fri10 AM–3 PM
Address:
Am Gestade 7, Polnisches Institut Wien
1010 Wien
Am Gestade 7, Polnisches Institut Wien
1010 Wien