Exhibition: Kaddish for Shtetl
Artist: Marek Hausmann
Venue: Educational and Museum Center „Świętokrzyski Sztetl” in Chmielnik, Poland
Duration: June 21, 2026 – August 31, 2026
The individual exhibition „Kaddish for the Shtetl” is a painterly tribute to the lost world of pre-war Jewish communities in Poland. Hosted by the Educational and Museum Center „Świętokrzyski Sztetl” in Chmielnik, the exposition features a collection of oil paintings on canvas (60×80 cm) depicting scenes, portraits, and symbolic moments from everyday shtetl life.
Alongside the primary cycle of 22 paintings, the exhibition presents introductory pieces from the subsequent series—capturing human dignity, memory, and spiritual heritage.
Last Wednesday, September 2, 2026, marked the closing of the debut exhibition of the „Kaddish for Shtetl” series at the „Świętokrzyski Shtetl” Education and Museum Center in Chmielnik. The culmination of this milestone was the official donation of a key artwork to the museum’s permanent collection. The oil painting „Khmyelnik: Dance of the Shtetl Ghosts” was officially received on behalf of the institution by Ms. Edyta Ślusarczyk, Senior Museum Assistant. This piece inaugurated my journey into reconstructing the visual memory of pre-war Jewish life. It captures a metaphysical vision where the spirits of Hasidim dance across the historic market square alongside geese—eternal witnesses to shtetl existence—defying oblivion. I felt that its true home belongs within the sacred walls of the restored Chmielnik synagogue. My deepest gratitude to Ms. Edyta Ślusarczyk and the entire museum staff for their exceptional curatorial hospitality, support, and dedication to preserving memory. Having this artwork permanently enrich the museum’s collection is a profound honor.