August 14, 2009

I wondered what happened on this day a year ago. I opened my 2008 day planner to August 14. In pencil, I had scribbled “meet with mihau m. (?)” This is how I was introduced to the emerging artist by Sarah Felgemacher, our summer student at the time. She was adamant that I meet her pal “Mihau”—Sarah’s tender nickname for Michal Majewski—a promising local musician and graphic artist. It seemed only fitting that an artist like Michal get involved with Station Gallery–he was an early-career talent based in the region interested in printmaking. And on that sunny August afternoon last year he came to the gallery to check out our permanent collection. Our holdings were of particular interest to Michal, since most of the works are prints, which was the young artist’s specialty (I remember how he was particularly impressed by the graphic and whimsical works of Rudolph Bikkers). I asked if he’d be interested in showcasing some of his own prints and posters in the Yourspace Community Gallery. He was modest about his talents and said that he would follow-up one day with a disc of his images. That day never came.

Shwa-ltz 2009, event poster by late artist Michal Majewski.

Shwa-ltz 2009, event poster by late artist Michal Majewski.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier this summer Michal met his untimely death in an accident out in BC. He was only 28. He left behind a prolific body of work. Posters, prints, pictures with a distinctly energetic and graphic style; this was the unmistakable visual hallmark of Michal’s work. Everyone in the local music scene recognized his posters advertising bands in the area.  Maybe Michal never had a chance to “follow-up” but the Yourspace will be his from September 12 to October 25. Michal’s work will be featured in a posthumous show, guest curated by Sarah F., the person who first introduced me to Michal Majewski.

Summer Solstice poster by late artist Michal Majewski.

Summer Solstice poster by late artist Michal Majewski.