Monika joined the Polski project – a series of Polish artists-in-residencies at Abbeyhill Primary School throughout 2016 and 2017 – as an Honorary artist-in-residence. The Polski project enabled Monika to donate half a dozen signed copies of her newly published bilingual book of watercolour illustrations entitled Do You Miss Your Country to Abbeyhill Primary School Library. Here is to inspiring generations of post-Brexit 2016 bilingual readers to share their own stories of cultural anxieties and positive experiences.
“This portable artist’s sketchbook combining text and image is based upon true dialogues. It is a personal visual diary of a newcomer […], intertwined with the everyday reality of Polish immigrants in the UK. Funny, ironic, but also poignant at times, it depicts rituals belonging to the immigrants’ folklore and intercultural (mis)understandings.” Kaja Pawelek’s Migrant Conversation Pieces, or a Phrasebook for Beginners
Meet Monika Szydlowska during her first public appearanace at Abbeyhill Primary School on Sun, 18 Sept 2016, 11am at Abbeyhill Primary School where she will be in conversation with artist and cultural theorist Chris Byrne preceded by Leighann Dudley’s mighty solo performance of contemporary and traditional bagpipe tunes. Get your own copy of Monika’s new book Do You Miss Your Country signed by the author. Start your 11th Colony of Artists Sunday in style before you experience the exhibition at the school and venture into the homes of the exhibiting artists at the Abbeyhill Colonies!ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Monika Szydlowska’s honorary artist-in-residency at Abbeyhill Primary School in 2016 was curated by Iga Bozyk, Patrycja Godula and Iliyana Nedkova. It was in partnership with the Polish Contemporary Art Organisation, Colony of Artists, Centrala and Abbeyhill Primary School Parent Council. Supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in Edinburgh and Abbeyhill Primary School.
