The happy city

“A Happy City” is a unique exhibition of the works of Joanna Górska and Rafał Góralski. It was organised in 2016 in Wrocław and along the main roads of the country. The works were presented by means of large-format Motorway billboards, billboards and citylights (placed at the bus stops). The works of this artistic duet were displayed from May to June on Motorway billboards on exit roads from Warsaw (to Wrocław, Gdańsk and Mazury), Poznań, Konin and Słupsk. In Wrocław they were presented on billboards and citylights in various places of the city in July and August.

The artists were inspired by the results of the latest studies on happiness. They prove that our happiness depends largely on us, our attitude, daily endeavours and involvement. When preparing their works, the artists referred also to the results of periodic studies: “Social Diagnosis – Living Conditions and Quality of Life of Polish People” which show that the inhabitants of Toruń highly value their city. They like it and they are happy that they live in Toruń. The artists share the same feelings. We lost our heads for Toruń – we live here because in our opinion this is one of the best cities in Poland to live and work. We’re happy that our billboard Rusz Gallery has been co-creating this unique atmosphere of the city for 17 years, says Joanna Górska.

The artists chose Wrocław to present their works because it is the European Capital of Culture in 2016. Toruń also applied for this title. It didn’t get it but the participation in the competition resulted in positive changes in the sphere of culture and an increased interest in events connected with the ECC in Wrocław, says Rafał Góralski.

Through their own works, the artists encouraged recipients to follow the example of the inhabitants of Toruń and to like their cities. They also invited them to visit Toruń and see for themselves what a beautiful and happy city it is.

The project was co-financed by the Commune of Toruń.

I’ve lost my head over Toruń / Toruń here the art moves, Wrocław, Poland 2016

The control, The only person we have a full control over is ourself, Wrocław, Poland 2016

Our perception of reality is more important than reality itself, Wrocław, Poland 2016

HFGB, Harmony, Freedom, Good, Beauty, Wrocław, Poland 2016

You change, the world changes, you don’t change, the world doesn’t change, Wrocław, Poland 2016

It’s about not losing one’s head over Toruń, Wrocław, Poland 2016

We can always go up or fall down. It’s up to us, Wrocław, Poland 2016

It’s about not losing one’s head over Toruń, Wrocław, Poland 2016

This day, Yesterday was too early, tomorrow will be too late, today is this day, Wrocław, Poland 2016

This day, Yesterday was too early, tomorrow will be too late, today is this day, Wrocław, Poland 2016

HFGB, Harmony, Freedom, Good, Beauty, Wrocław, Poland 2016

Inner wealth, Wrocław, Poland 2016

A small change in us can make a big difference in the world, Wrocław, Poland 2016

Nobody can make you happy or unhappy, you can do that yourself, Wrocław, Poland 2016

At the ends of their lives, people regret most the thing they haven’t done, Wrocław, Poland 2016

I’ve lost my head over Toruń / Toruń – here the art moves, Wrocław, Poland 2016