4 October – 9 November 2014

Exhibition curators: mgr Mateusz Stróżyk, mgr Sabina Hryniewiecka

Since times immemorial man has interfered with his natural environment. Over the last ten thousand years his activities have created cultural landscapes. The growth of civilisation is inextricably linked with transformations of landscape, with the changes having a crucial impact on the way we think, behave and act. Studies of landscape involve the question of the interaction between man and his environment. On the one hand, scholars focus on reconstructing the ways in which prehistoric communities adapted to the surrounding natural milieu, and on the other they analyse the process by which the natural environment became modified and adapted to the demands of human communities. Both types of relations have led to the creation of a specific landscape with a distinct cultural mark. Understanding these processes is important for modern societies and our ecological sensitivity.

Numerous cases of the relationships between man and nature that existed during the process of transforming the natural environment are presented at the exhibition of the Graduate School “Human Development in Landscapes” from Kiel entitled Landscapes transformed. Ten thousand years of change. It shows the results of research under three topical headings: Monumentalism and Engravings, Innovativeness and Exchange of Goods and also Man and Environment.

Monumentalism and Engravings

Monumental constructions bear witness to ritual and social activities of prehistoric peoples. The sheer size of megalithic structures and the technology employed in their construction never fail to arouse the wonder and fascination in succeeding generations, both for their magnificent form and often mysterious origins and meaning. The exhibition presents various regional examples of monuments, at the same time revealing their universal features.

Innovativeness and Exchange of Goods

Similarly to sleep and food, communication is a basic human need. The social nature of a community as well as exchange of information vital for its development both base on communication. Knowledge is passed on to successive generations and carried over considerable distance. Information transfer usually took place during the exchange of material goods. The exhibition showcases some possible interpretations of this interdependence.

Man and Environment

Man’s dependence on his natural environment is an obvious fact. Over the last ten thousand years the climate has been relatively stable and this was probably the reason for the spread and expansion of agriculture. Still, natural and violent climatic changes have challenged man again and again. The exhibition presents some examples of the man – environment relationship.

The President of the City of Poznań Ryszard Grobelny holds the Honorary Patronage of the exhibition.

Media patronage: