Searching for forgotten crafts and customs in Polish folk art

Karolina Merska, born in Poland is a pajaki maker living in London. Inspired by Polish folk art, she started making pajaki chandeliers in 2015.

Pajaki (pah-yonk-ee) are traditional Polish chandeliers made from rye straw and paper. Their history dates back to the mid-18th century. Made by country women as decorations for their homes especially for Christmas, Easter, as well as for weddings and christenings. Suspended from a ceiling in a main room, amongst colourful paper cut-outs, paintings and paper flowers they became a popular decoration in polish village houses. They were a symbol of harvest and happiness in the New Year.

Today the tradition is practised less and less. Karolina keeps the pajaki tradition alive. With her practice she tries to use traditional techniques and materials as well as experimenting with new ones so as to give them a new contemporary look.

Her first book “Making Mobiles. Create Beautiful Polish Pajaki from Natural Materials” has been published in May 2021.

Her shop Folka is Karolina’s other project to help revive traditional, dying out crafts. During her travels across Poland, she met many fascinating folk artists. Inspired by their art, she wanted to share their stories and unique crafts with a wider audience.

Join Karolina’s talk to discover the richness of Polish folk art. During the talk, she will introduce you to her art practice of making pająki as well as present folk artists she collaborates with, their craft and memorable moments from her folk travels. Karolina will also share her favourite Christmas Polish customs and traditions.

This talk is part of the Bloomsbury Jamboree weekend held at the Artworkers' Guild, 6 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AT.

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