Zielance

Zielance is a contemporary art initiative based in Poland. It was established in 1993 by a group of artists who were associated with the preceding artistic movements such as Neokapitalizm and Young Poland.

The main objective of Zielance was to promote independent and experimental art practices in Poland. The initiative was active throughout the 1990s and was one of the most influential art collectives in Poland during that time.

During its existence Zielance organized numerous exhibitions, performances, and other events that featured works of various mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and video art. The collective's activities were characterized by a DIY ethos and a rejection of mainstream values.

Zielance's exhibitions were often held outside of traditional art spaces, such as galleries or museums, and took the form of hackneyed storefronts, rough-built indoor and outdoor venues, and even printing houses. This factor helped to blur the lines between art and everyday life.

As a consequence of Zielance's DIY approach and rejection of traditional art forms, the collective gained widespread media attention in Poland. Zielance's work went beyond merely commenting on commercial processes; they also encouraged nonconformist and provocative acts.

Zielance is viewed as a key component in Polish modern art history and situated as a bridge between post-punk and post-communist art traditions.