CRAFTICA GALLERY: LIVING MATTER MADE IN POLAND
ENG
Founder Anna Woźniak-Starak shares the philosophy behind a space devoted to promoting Polish design on the contemporary international scene.
The value of Polish design, its expressive power on the global stage, and its deep connection to the nation’ s cultural heritage. This is the mission of Craftica Gallery, founded in 2024 by the Starak Family Foundation and located in the historic part of Warsaw. We speak with Anna Woźniak-Starak, who takes us on a journey through her passionate search for contemporary artistic potential and the growing international recognition of local talent.
When was the gallery founded, and what is its approach to design and art?“ Craftica Gallery was founded in November 2024, but actually, the idea had been growing within me for many years. My adventure began while furnishing, together with my husband, our first home: Villa Eloe, a historic residence in Konstancin, near Warsaw. The villa was the result of a shared project with a friend of mine, the French interior designer Patrice Nourissat. It was Patrice who encouraged me to seek out and promote local talent. From that moment on, I began visiting design galleries, attending design, art, and antiques fairs, and developing a sensitivity to unique objects. Patrice and I went on to design the interiors of our subsequent homes, which gradually became showcases for exceptional pieces. Craftica Gallery was born a year ago, but also twenty years ago. Craftica Gallery aims to support Polish designers, promote them abroad, create connections, and open the doors to the international market.”
How do you select the artists and designers featured in your gallery?“ There’ s only one condition: the object must be truly unique and crafted in such a way that, when we look at it, we feel that craftsmanship has become art.”
In a work of art, which matters more: talent or an obsession with perfection?“ Both are essential. Talent is the foundation, but then comes a process, during which an idea takes shape and becomes reality. I appreciate designers who don’ t repeat themselves; I value originality. Creating means exploring forms, techniques, and new visual languages. I love when an object gives character to an entire space.”
Is the gallery exclusively for Polish artists?“ I focus on Polish designers because I believe it’ s not easy for them to break through. I’ m glad this is starting to change. I want to show that Poland has many talents. Designers draw inspiration from Polish folklore, reinterpreting it, giving it new meanings, and translating it into contemporary techniques and materials.”
What are the upcoming events you’ ll be taking part in?“ One of the major projects planned for 2026, in collaboration with the Kunszt programme, will be dedicated to Antoni Kenar. We will present works from the school’ s archive and explore how classical craftsmanship can be reinterpreted through contemporary design.”
What do you love most about your work?“ What I cherish most is the opportunity to be close to creative people, from artists to those who support them by creating foundations, collections, and art fairs.”
What does Italy mean to you?“ We love it for its beauty, which can be found at every turn. Italian creatives have no complexes: they are masters of design. I believe Polish artists and designers can find their rightful place in Italy.” craftica. gallery
Project Director Rita Baiguera Graphic Designer Cristina Zanacchi
In queste pagine, due scorci di Craftica Gallery a Varsavia- ph. credits Pion Studio.