Tadeusz Kantor (1915-1990). Emballage, Cricotage and Madame Jarema

Anna and Jerzy Starak are among Poland’s most distinguished cultural patrons. Established in 2008, the Starak Family Foundation pursues a long-term mission to promote education and disseminate Polish artistic heritage in Poland and internationally. Their collection of post-war Polish art is among the most significant, noted for its scale, coherence and museum quality, offering a key record of the second half of the 20th century.

The exhibition “Tadeusz Kantor (1915–1990). Emballage, Cricotage and Madame Jarema” marks the Foundation’s fifth presentation in Venice, following earlier projects dedicated to Ryszard Winiarski (2017), Ewa Kuryluk (2022) and Andrzej Wróblewski (2024). It takes place from 9 May to 22 November 2026 at the Procuratie Vecchie in Piazza San Marco.

The exhibition explores the relationship between Tadeusz Kantor and Maria Jarema, leading figures of the post-war avant-garde. Kantor, internationally acclaimed, develops a multidisciplinary practice spanning painting, theatre and performance, including his influential “Theatre of Love and Death.” A pioneer of informel, assemblage, emballage and happening in Poland, he plays a central role in shaping post-war artistic language.

The exhibition presents key bodies of work, including informel compositions from the late 1950s, emballages (1964–1978), and late series such as “Dalej już nic” and “Cholernie spadam.” It also features theatrical objects and a projection of “The Dead Class” (1975).

Maria Jarema’s work is highlighted through monotypes and costume designs for “Mątwa” and “Cyrk.” The project is supported by Cricoteka and brings together works from major public and private collections.