Existential Lazenki. Dmitry Solodki
Existential Lazenki. Dmitry Solodki

In the park, I met Dmitry engrossed in reading a book called “Existential Psychotherapy.” Our meeting turned into a fascinating discussion on this subject.

We discussed the idea that each of us is our own God and the creator of our own destiny. We also talked about how “those who are inhibited cannot attain enlightenment.”

Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy shows his bookmark for books.
The book "Existential Psychotherapy" in the hands of a young man.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy, wearing black glasses, looks at the Chopin monument.

Suddenly, a camera appeared as a recording device of our walk.

And life was bustling around us:

The Chopin monument in Lazienki Park and a sleeping person on a bench.
Four people sitting back to back on a bench. Dmitry Solodkiy is reading a book in the distance.
A couple in love hugging and kissing on a bench.
The Chopin monument in Lazienki Park and Dmitry Solodkiy sitting on a bench, reading a book.
A couple in love hugging and kissing on a bench.

Dmitry overcame his initial nervousness, and we continued our discussion.

Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy, joyful in sunglasses.

While the lively bustle of the noisy park surrounded us, we approached a wooden temple and decided to try divination with scrolls.

When I chose the number 69, I was advised: “Avoid commitments.”

Dmitry, who chose number 46, was foretold: “Beware of deception.”

A young man points to a stone tablet with writing.
Dmitry, who chose number 46, was foretold: "Beware of deception."
A young man holds onto an egg-shaped stone tablet.
I chose the number 69, and I was advised: "Avoid commitments."

As we approached the wooden temple, it appeared as a stone sculpture, despite its actual material being wood.

The Sibyl's Temple, made of wood, in the Royal Baths.
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy points to the Sibyl's Temple in the Royal Baths with his hand. A sphinx is seen in the background.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy points to a historical photograph of the Sibyl's Temple in the Royal Baths.
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy gestures with his hands, creating the image of a crocodile.

The Royal Lazenki are enveloped in grandeur throughout the year, but it is in late May that they acquire a special allure. During this period, everything around them blossoms and fills the air with a delicate fragrance.

A peacock in Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
Green ivy on a tree trunk in Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
Flower beds in Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
Flowers in Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy contemplates on a bench against the backdrop of flowers.
Dmitry Solodkiy strolls through Lazienki Park. A sculpture and flower beds in the background.
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy and a blooming red chestnut tree in the background.

The lovely ladies approached Dmitry with a request to take their photograph.

Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy photographs charming ladies in Lazienki Park in Warsaw.
Dmitry Solodkiy photographs charming ladies in Lazienki Park in Warsaw. The buttocks of a standing sculpture in the foreground.

We found ourselves inside the first palace, where female artists were working on creating their masterpieces.

What was astonishing was the accessibility of the objects. Some of them could not only be closely examined with the eyes but also experienced through touch and scent.

Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy enters the Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy touches a table. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Female artists painting artworks. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy in a bedroom. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
An old piano. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy touches a tile. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.

Dmitry was amazed by the narrow passages through which important personalities, who were staying in the palace, would walk.

Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy in a doorway passage. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy near the statue of Napoleon. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.

Indeed, it is truly impressive to create not just a painting but a living beauty on the canvas.

Dmitry Solodkiy points to a huge painting with a solid red canvas. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Dmitry Solodkiy is reflected in mirrors in a doorway passage. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy resembling a saint. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.Chandelier, view from below. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Chandelier, view from below. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Top view through the bars. A young man stands below. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.

It was important for Dmitry to find a moment to sit on the grass. Later, he admitted that it became one of the most memorable moments of our walk.

Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy reads the book "Existential Psychotherapy". He sits on the grass, smiles, and looks at the camera.

For me, the most unforgettable moment was visiting the gallery of sculptures. Observing the Greek statue dating back to the 2nd or 3rd century was particularly impressive.

Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy in the sculpture hall. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Ancient Greek sculptures from the 2nd-3rd century AD. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
I really liked the sculpture in the center
Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy in the sculpture hall. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.

The great art of ancient Greeks has always evoked admiration, and it is particularly remarkable that only the most exquisite works have survived to this day.

The Greeks, rejecting unsuccessful statues, preserved only what was considered truly great.

Cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy with a sculpture of a giant Greek head. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Sculpture of a girl. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.
Art historian Dmitry Solodkiy with a sculpture of a giant Greek head. The Royal Baths Museum in Warsaw.

It is wonderful to observe art in the company of someone who is deeply passionate about this field.

Dmitry Solodkiy

Art historian, cultural scholar.

  • Curator of exhibition projects at the National Museum of Belarus.
  • Curator of the only exhibition project of Boris Grebenshchikov in Belarus.
  • Author of the project “Red Code of the Nation.”
  • Memberof the International Council of Museums (ICOM).

I recommend following his Instagram @salodki_art

There, Dmitry passionately shares about art.

Art historian and cultural scholar Dmitry Solodkiy lying on the grass with closed eyes, enjoying himself.
Existential Lazenki. Dmitry Solodki

Thank you for watching till the end.

I invite you to an individual photoshoot.

Let’s dive into your passion, and I will capture your photo story!

Aleksey Kaznadey

Nothing but Love!

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