Participation in the workshop “Boundlessness in Sybir – Boundaries of Memory” offers a unique opportunity to explore the fate of Sybiraks through the lens of contemporary art and the personal testimonies of those who experienced deportation.
Inspired by the exhibition “Boundlessness in Sybir,” the workshop not only conveys historical facts, but also encourages deep reflection on memory, identity, and the importance of community in times of hardship. Participants will discover the topic of deportation and life in Siberia through works of art inspired by the real-life accounts of deportees. These artistic pieces portray the boundaries the Sybiraks were forced to cross, the vast and desolate Siberian landscape, and themes such as hunger, longing, and hope.
Together with the students, we will reflect on what gave the deportees the strength to survive and what they missed the most: their family homes, the warmth of their loved ones, shared meals, or the simplicity of a carefree childhood. Through art, participants will be encouraged to empathize with these experiences, consider the meaning of home, family, and belonging, and explore how people found resilience in a foreign, unforgiving land.
As part of the workshop, students will create a symbolic “table” – a space of memory and longing. They will reflect on what the Sybiraks held in their hearts and what was irretrievably lost. Symbolic items will be placed on the table, along with values and words that carried the greatest meaning to those exiled. This creative exercise will help participants understand that home is not just a place – it is, above all, about people and the bonds between them.
We will also explore the role of memory and the power of art in communicating history. Do contemporary artworks help us better understand past tragedies? What emotions do they evoke? What questions do they ask us today?
Cost: 15 PLN per person
Group size: up to 30 participants
Duration: 60 minutes
Registration form, class regulations, and full program details are available at: https://sybir.bialystok.pl/edukacja/
