Full New Moon – 5th Edition of the Exhibition by the Nów. New Craft Association

"Full New Moon" is an annual event during which the latest works or collections of craftsmen associated with the Nów are shown for the first time. This year's fifth edition of the exhibition takes place at the Leather Crafts Guild in Warsaw, a place that fits into the context of searching for one's own identity and the roots of the "new craft". It presents utility and decorative items such as furniture, mirrors, lamps, carpets, macrame, kilims and objects made of wood, ceramics, glass, paper and metal. 

When we founded the Nów. New Craft Association five years ago, we felt an intuitive need to act together rather than to implement a fully developed strategy. At that time, we could not precisely define our activity, which balances between design and art, so we used the word craft. According to the PWN Polish Language Dictionary, craft is defined as „craft is small-scale production involving the making and repairing of functional objects by hand or with simple tools”. However, this definition does not fit our activities, nor does the one in the Craft Act „which defines craft as the production and service activities of visual artists. Today, we still discuss craft and its new manifestations. While working physically with materials, we do not avoid contemporary technology: we use it where appropriate; we design with software, operate CNC machines, and collaborate with programmers. Of course, we also draw on traditional techniques executed with mastery, use noble materials, and place great importance on environmental care and attention to detail.  

We approach new craft in a broad sense. – as a creative process that escapes boundaries., which is constantly evolving, continuously challenging what once seemed fixed. In contemporary craft – both in Poland and internationally - – There is much upheaval, novelty, and a lack of obviousness. However, we know that without history there is no contemporary practice, so we look into it, even though it is not easy for us. We try to build bridges, which is why this year we are hosted by the Jan Kiliński Leather Crafts Guild in Warsaw, established in 1386.  

Full New Moon s a showcase of the best works by members of the Association from a given year. Today, it is the largest national exhibition dedicated to contemporary craft. Every year, we await it with anticipation and excitement, curious to see each other’s new creations. The objects on display may mark the premiere of new collections, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, explore experimental approaches, or present a new or intriguing version of a familiar work. Full New Moon continually brings closer the diverse, little-known, and vibrant world of contemporary craft.

Curator: Olga Milczyńska

Partner: ERGO Hestia, Artystyczna Podróż Hestii
Partners: Cech Rzemiosł Skórzanych, Winnica Kamil Barczentewicz, Winnica Silesian
Media partner: : Vogue Living Polska, Design Alive

"Full New Moon" 5th edition of the exhibition of the Nów Association
6–22.10.2023, wernisaż 6.10.2023, g. 18.00
Cech Rzemiosł Skórzanych im. J. Kilińskiego
Wąski Dunaj 10, Warszawa

Exhibition opening days and hours:
Wednesday-Friday, 16.00–20.00; Saturday-Sunday, 12.00–18.00

Makers: Aleksander Oniszh, Agata Marchlewicz / Cięta Córa, Beata Wietrzyńska / In Weave, Cyryl Zakrzewski, Jakub Przyborowski, Jakub Święcicki, Katarzyna Harasym, Kłosy, Marcin Skalski / Kuźnia Skały, Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz, Monika Skorupska / MOSKO, Olga Milczyńska, Paweł Jasiewicz, P55 Mirrors, REST studio, Square Drop, Studio Tafla, Tartaruga

Photos: Matylda Polak
Graphic design: Jakub Pionty