View From My Window, 1978-1999

Józef Robakowski is a pioneer of independent Polish film and amongst the first generation of Polish artists to work with video. This work was filmed over more than twenty years from Robakowski's apartment. Looking down onto the public square below, his witty pseudo-documentary observes the daily activities of his neighbours and mass gatherings such as the annual May Day marches. It is literally homemade, giving extraordinary insight into domestic life through dramatic political transition and so complements Cao Fei's highly produced animated vision of a newly globalised, capitalised China. Robakowski's subtle political observations articulate an everyday story of an individual which is as touching as it is smart. This work was presented by the Art Fund through Art Fund International. Birmingham and Walsall art galleries are working together to build up a collection exploring the metropolis and urban environment under the Art Fund International scheme.