OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION “The Quarter of Wonders”. Five years among the residents of Legnica Zakachev

“The Quarter of Miracles”. Five years among the residents of Legnica Zakachev

Exhibition of Amadeus Swierk

The exhibition is the result of a five-year, ongoing project (2021-2026) about the district, which more than 20 years ago became the inspiration for the famous Legnica Ballad about Zakachau. Thieves with hearts of gold, former prisoners who live by music, families facing poverty, young people looking for their own way — these are the people the photographer has known for several years, trying to understand a world that is outwardly known mainly for stereotypes.

Zakaczawa was for decades an informal center of the social life of the Polish Legnica. In this melting pot — among Polish families and the Roma community displaced here — people with extraordinary biographies were formed. Over time, the nickname “quarter of miracles” took on a bitterly ironic tone. When the transformation came, Zakachava was left behind by the capitalism of the 90s and fell into oblivion. Subsequent generations of residents, however, retained a strong sense of community.

The project is an attempt to confront the legend of Zakachava and see how much truth is left in it. It is also a reminder that in almost every city there is a place marked by marginalization, and in its center are people — families, friends — who try to live their best life despite the hardships of life.

I found many friends in the Wonder Quarter and always left richer — with new acquaintances, stories and experiences. Thank you for your trust, you create a wonderful place.

Amadeus Swierk

Amadeusz Świerk — documentary photographer from Wrocław. It focuses on the cultural aspect of man, the theme of minorities — social, ethnic and religious — and human-environment relations. His work has been recognized in the Pictures of the Year International, Royal Photographic Society Documentary Awards, Fotografia Etica, Sony World Photography Awards and Grand Press Photo. He has published in titles such as “Guardian”, “Revue XXI”, “Pismo”, “Tygodnik Powszechny” and “Kyiv Independent”, among others. He photographed in Europe, Asia and Africa. He is the author of projects, among others, about the subculture of people fleeing civilization around a forest hut in the Giant Mountains and about Asian nomads. Currently, in addition to the project on Zakachava, he documents the effects of the war in Ukraine and Syria.

The exhibition is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as part of the “Young Poland” Scholarship Program.

Vernisage 13 November, 18.00Hall of the Old Town Hall (Rynek 39, Legnica)

Exhibition open until 31 December 2026 from 9.00-18.00curator: Ewa MeissnerAdmission free