Cepelia. How much of it was true art, and how much was kitsch?

The exhibition "Obywatelka Cepelia" at the National Museum in Krakow explores the legacy of Cepelia, highlighting its blend of folk inspiration with avant-garde art and design. It showcases how Cepelia influenced Polish interiors and the paradox of mass-produced kitsch versus exclusive art. The institution, active from 1949 to 1989, created a vast network of cooperatives and employed thousands, while also collaborating with renowned artists. The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive view of Cepelia's impact on material culture, emphasizing both its artistic contributions and the challenges of preserving its more kitschy products. It features a variety of items, from folk-inspired furniture to modern clothing designs, reflecting the dual nature of Cepelia as both a mass producer and a promoter of artistic craftsmanship.