More info on Heavy Weight History that is currently on view @lago_algo In a city like Warsaw, which was almost completely destroyed during World War II, memorials function as signs of both an old and a new identity. So with Heavy Weight History, Jankowski decided to rupture that historical narrative, to introduce lightness to a subject with such gravity – and have weightlifters try to lift the city's monuments from the ground. “All the champions of Poland,” announces the professional sports commentator who introduces the contest, describing the heroes from the world of sports who have accepted Jankowski's challenge. One after another, they approach the monuments; some separate from their bases and rise into the air, but others don't leave the ground. Syrena, a mermaid armed with a sword who serves as a Warsaw landmark, is raised up high. But the monument to the Warsaw Genuflection, from 1970, turned out to be too heavy; then German chancellor Willy Brandt's symbolic gesture of asking for forgiveness in front of the monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising stayed put. The American president at the time, Ronald Reagan (to whom a monument from 2011 is dedicated), also refused to budge. The commentator remarks, “Just as he did in the era of the Iron Curtain.” Following the contest, the mood is euphoric: Fans congratulate the athletes. History was revived through the combination of sports and art: “In this way, before our eyes, new history is created!” As chance would have it, the 2013 World Weightlifting Championships were also held in Poland. Parallel to their own event, the Polish Weightlifting Federation decided to organize a presentation of Heavy Weight History. „Heavy Weight History“, 2013, 7 b/w photographs on baryt paper, each 140 x 186,8 cm