We open the exhibition “Fikaka with Koziołek Matołek”.
Beginning Sunday, March 17, for the next three months, Karpinski Gallery invites children aged 4 to 10 to join in the fun, which will take the form of an adventurous trip to Pacanów with one of the friendliest characters in Polish children’s fairy tales.
Koziołek Matołek is already more than 90 years old! The joint work of writer Kornel Makuszyński and illustrator Marian Walentynowicz was published in November/December 1932.
The initiative to create a picture story for the youngest came from publisher Jan Gebethner. He convinced Marian Walentynowicz to his idea, and then the two men went to Otwock to persuade Kornel Makuszyński to cooperate. Who came up with the book’s hero is unknown. According to Marian Walentynowicz, it was he who suggested the word goat, and the name Matołek and the town of Pacanów were Kornel Makuszyński’s idea. Matołek the Goat was born in Otwock (most likely in a villa at 78 Reymonta Street).
In a short time, four books were written: 120 Adventures of Koziołek Matołek – 1932, Second Book of Adventures of Koziołek Matołek – 1933, Third Book of Adventures of Koziołek Matołek – 1933, Fourth Book of Adventures of Koziołek Matołek – 1934.
Koziołek Matołek immediately gained the sympathy of readers and became one of the most recognizable characters of Polish children’s literature. Books with the adventures of Koziołek are considered a precursor work in the history of Polish comics.
The exhibition is designed for children aged 4 to 10. It will take the form of a road to Pacanów, and visitors will be given tasks to perform. They will have to squeeze, jump, slide, crawl, pull, attach and climb. Basing the narrative of the exhibition-game on the plot of the comic strip will be highlighted by using original frames and drawings from pre-war editions of The Adventures of Koziołek Matołek in the museum space.
On the opening day we are preparing additional attractions and surprises for the youngest. During creative workshops you will make a goat on a stick, which will make the merry tricks last longer than a visit to the Museum.
The opening will take place on Sunday, March 17, at the Alfons Karpinski Painting Gallery, 12 Rozwadowska St. (former court building). Attractions await from 2 pm to 6 pm.
The exhibition will be open until June 16.
Exhibition prepared by the Eryk Lipinski Museum of Caricature in Warsaw.
