1931
two gelatin silver prints, silver chlorobromide paper,
dimensions: 12 x 18.1 cm and 12.5 x 18.2 cm,
annotations on the reverse:
W-313 / 4, "Zastrzyk narkotyczny", Zakopane 1931
and W-312 / 3,
vintage prints

The works are an example of Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz`s actions involving photographic creations. This performance, directed by Witkacy himself, was documented by Józef Głogowski. The collaboration between Witkacy and Głogowski resulted in a number of peculiar actions. This photographic session was named the Narcotic Shot and invokes, in a direct way, drug-induced expressiveness. The Narcotic Shot also alludes to social occasions when Witkacy used drugs to experiment with drawing and thus produce unique portraits. The artist used to refer to those occasions as `narcotic orgies`, hence the erotic undertones of the photographs.
The scene was staged in the summer of 1931 in Zakopane. It shows Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz and Janina Bykowiakówna on the veranda of the Wilia Olma house, which was owned by Helena and Teodor Białynicki-Birula.
The photographs have been widely exhibited and published.



estimate: 40000 - 60000 zł