Imagine a box the sized of a small room containing within it twelve smaller boxes that display twelve images produced by a single box, and you have Lensless Slides from the box of Wojtek Gil. Currently on display at the the Polish Museum of America through February 23, 2010, this photographic exhibit is a thoughtful collection as inviting and friendly as the establishment that houses it.
Artist Wojtek Gil's fascination with the camera obscura began as a young boy. He fondly recalls the memory of his first experience with the device. He was ten when he turned his friends bedroom into a giant camera obscura. Shutting out all sources of light save for a pupil sized hole, they couldn't afford photo paper, but they understood what they could do if they had it. From bedrooms to match and oatmeal boxes, Gil saw his creativity realized and has yet to get bored with returning to the fundamentals of photography through the camera obscura.
The camera obscura is an image generative device consisting of a box with a hole in one side that allows external light to pass through and project the outside image. With a mirror and a piece of sheet film Gil was able to capture external images whose sharpness is dependent on the size of the hole and amount of time exposed to light.
Wojtek Gil's twelve slides on display at the Polish Museum of America were all taken within the last four years. The images range between two seconds to one hour of exposure time and are a pure, un-manipulated collection of photographs that offer a time and space conducive to natural lighting, shading and color. Gil captures objects and places as our own two eyes would allow us to see them. Each slide is a snap shot in time, unveiling the beauty of a moment by its recognition. His muse is clearly the camera itself. He dedicates the entire exhibit to the device, projecting its ability to document the carefree of everyday life and inspiring his viewer to not underestimate the intricacies of a railing or street corner.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Gil is also a journalist for Polskie Radio and a prominent figure in the Chicago Polish community. For a suggested $5 donation at the Polish Museum of America one can experience the sentiments of his journeys. While there we suggest taking the time to soak in the museums array of authentic Polish history and culture. | 
