Roots of the uprising

Roots of the uprising
Exhibition and installation by CENTRALA with Natalia Budnik.
From July 21st to September 21st, 2023.

Curators: Dr. Maria Ferenc and Franciszek Bojańczyk

Landscape design: Natalia Budnik, collaboration Adam Kapler
Graphic design: bisoñ studio

Organiser: The Emanuel Ringelblum Jewish Historical Institute

Location: Square of the Home Army Scout Battalion “Wigry” at the Muranów Cinema

On the 80th anniversary of the outbreak of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, we wish to demonstrate that armed resistance in April and May 1943 was neither a sudden, nor an isolated act. On the contrary, it was preceded by years of conspiratorial activities. Therefore, we dedicate this narrative to the roots of the Uprising a multi-layered resistance put up by the residents of the Warsaw ghetto over the course of almost three years of its existence.

fot. Andrzej Stawiński / ŻIH

We refer to the roots also in a more literal way by planting a carpet of flowers in the centre of the exposition. It consists of species discovered after the Second World War within the city’s ruderal landscape by the botanist Roman Kobendza, employee of the Warsaw Reconstruction Office. Cornflowers, mulleins, marigolds or pepperwort although inconspicuous —were the first harbingers of the rebirth of life amongst the rubble. Nature persevered despite the destruction of the city and the annihilation of its inhabitants.

fot. Andrzej Stawiński / ŻIH