The opening of the exhibition announced by the National Maritime Museum, "Building Sea Colossi. Photographs by Tercjan Multaniak" was held on time and gathered a large group of interested parties, about 60 ci people. The greeting took place in the conference room of the NMM. (Tercjan Multaniak, 1921 - 1981, photographer, ZPAF no.322, AFIAP, PSA). The attendees were welcomed by NMM Deputy Director for Substantive Affairs Dr. Marcin Westphal. The team of exhibition curators was introduced, whose work gave a unique shape to the exhibition both in the selection of works presented and the form of presentation.
Cooperating media partners were mentioned. Dr. Marcin Westphal referred to the mission of the NMM and acknowledged the participation of the Creator of the presented photographic images in carrying out this mission. Asked to speak was Cadm. Piotr Stocki, President of the Society of Friends of the Ship - Sołdek Museum. He expressed his pleasure that this exhibition is presented precisely on the Soldek. I also had the honor of taking the floor. I introduced the guests to the figure of the Creator, my Father, mentioning the circumstances of his devotion to the art of photography. I explained the idea of the message contained in the presented works, which show a man who is able to transform matter into a work of art - a ship.
A work that was created as a result of the creative work of masters of various professions and specialties. Being a shipbuilding engineer with more than twenty years of experience in Gdansk Shipyard, I perceive each photographic image as a story. Every work of art is a story... I expressed my gratitude for the recognition of Father's works worthy of remembrance by handing over an original copy of a well-known work, presented many times, also honored at art photography salons. The curator of the exhibition, Mr. Jakub Adamczak, also spoke. He brought the details of the creation of the exhibition, announced the appearance in a few weeks of a catalog/album of the exhibition, which is being worked on. This item will not only present a collection of shipyard-themed photographs, it will also introduce the person of the photographer and an analysis of his work. The appearance of the catalog/album is expected to create another interesting event.
Dr. Marcin Westphal was invited to walk into the exhibition space of the Soldk. The exhibition presents 59 works, 10 of which are shown in large-format format. The selected works do not duplicate those presented in Artus Court in 1963. It is reasonable to recall here the statement of Mr. Leonard Sempoliński, an authority in the field of artistic photography, which was published in the monthly magazine Fotografia nr.5 May, year 1963, "On the margins of the exhibition Tercjan Multaniak Gdansk Shipyard".
At the disposal of NMM specialists was a collection of several thousand negatives of the Creator. Most of these works were created in the Gdansk Shipyard, in the first half of the 1960s. For the presentation of some of the works, a special spatial structure was built, the works, arranged in a thoughtful way, can give the impression of presence in the Shipyard. We spent about an hour there, I did not notice that anyone was bored, in small groups views were exchanged, discussions were held. At the right moment we were asked to move to the museum's reception room. The catering provided was also delightful.
For me it was a very joyful day, I certainly will not forget this day. I would like to express both admiration and gratitude to Mr. Robert Dział, Director, for recognizing the values and message of the Creator of photographic images from the Gdansk Shipyard, which are worth remembering. Of course, shipbuilding has a long history and great traditions in Gdansk, s/s Soldek is permanently inscribed in this history. Now it has a different role - it ennobles and teaches, even today.
The exhibition will be open until the end of October 2025. As soon as the catalog/album appears, a copy will be given to the Editor for possible use.
Maciej Multaniak
