2014: AiR, Sebastian Cichocki

Artist-in-Residence Program (2014)
In 2014, the Museum of Friends (MoF) proudly hosted a group of four Polish artists led by Sebastian Cichocki, curator, writer, art critic, and deputy director at the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, Poland. This residency was part of the Mirage project, generously funded by the CEC ArtsLink Independent Project Award.

Project Mirage aimed to explore and document the rich tapestry of art and cultural movements in Southern Colorado. Collaborating with Łukasz Jastrubczak (visual artist and lecturer at Warsaw University), Małgorzata Mazur (cinematographer), and Maria Ostaszewska-Cichocka (architect), the team embarked on a journey across 17 U.S. states. Their research involved interviewing local artists and filming in historically significant locations, including the remnants of hippie communes in Southern Colorado.

Key Contributions of the Museum of Friends:

Curation of Art and Art Movements: MoF’s dedicated efforts in curating and preserving the diverse art movements of Southern Colorado provided a foundational backdrop for the Mirage project. The museum’s extensive collection and insightful exhibitions offered the artists invaluable resources to understand and contextualize the region’s artistic heritage.

Extensive Artist Network: Leveraging its robust network of local and regional artists, MoF facilitated meaningful connections and interviews essential for the Mirage project. This network enabled the artists to engage deeply with the community, ensuring authentic and comprehensive documentation of Southern Colorado’s artistic landscape.

Collaborative Research Environment: The supportive environment at MoF allowed the artists to amass significant video footage and other research materials. This content is slated for use in their future lectures and performances, bridging the gap between historical narratives and contemporary artistic expression.

Partnership with Land Use Interpretation (LA): During their residency, the artists also collaborated with the Center for Land Use Interpretation in Los Angeles. This partnership focused on how the nation’s lands are apportioned, utilized, and perceived, adding a critical dimension to their exploration of cultural and environmental influences on art.

The 2014 Artist-in-Residence program at MoF not only enriched the Mirage project but also reinforced the museum’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and preserving the unique art heritage of Southern Colorado. Through meticulous curation and a strong artist network, MoF continues to support innovative projects that bridge local histories with global artistic movements.