Magdalena Franczuk
The Book of Wonder
The main element of the exhibition is the titled Book of Wonder. The story is based on the adventures and life experiences of Franciszek Leon Madaleyski―a forgotten eccentric traveler from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, whose interests were focused on the search for paranormal phenomena in the world around him. Each part of The Book of Wonder is inspired by a different adventure that happened to Madaleyski. Through the Book, the memory of his person is recollected. Who is this mysterious writer and traveler? A human-puzzle or the artist’s alter ego? One should search for the answer in the Book.
The Book of Wonder is an original project with an unusual momentum. It consists of ten chapters, each of which includes literary descriptions and staged photographs. Every detail in the photo session is meticulously perfected―a venture for which the artist involved a staff of professionals: scenographer, production managers, more than 50 male and female models, make-up artists, hairdressers, assistants, and others.
