Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, a Polish artist, writer, and philosopher, is explored through his self-portraits and his book 'Narkotyki', which documents his drug use and its impact on his art. Witkiewicz's work reflects a blend of artistic innovation and personal turmoil, influenced by his experimentation with various substances. His writings combine objective analysis with personal anecdotes, offering a unique perspective on addiction and its social implications. The article also touches on the cultural context of drug use in early 20th-century Poland and Witkiewicz's influence on modernist art.

The article explores T.S. Eliot's complex views on post-war geopolitics and Eastern Europe, focusing on his letters and cultural criticism. It highlights Eliot's critique of American isolationism, his nuanced perspective on Vienna's suffering, and his broader concerns about the instability and political fragmentation in Eastern Europe. The text also examines how Eliot's work, particularly 'The Waste Land,' reflects his anxieties about cultural diversity and geopolitical tensions in the region. The article argues that Eliot's references to Eastern Europe reveal a long-standing Western geopolitical imaginary that perceives the region as insecure and politically volatile, challenging traditional European ideas of progress and modernity.

Krynica Morska, a town on the Polish-Russian border, embodies a unique blend of historical and contemporary geopolitical tensions with a light-hearted, tourist-friendly atmosphere. The area, marked by the Vistula Spit canal and the proximity to Kaliningrad, juxtaposes the serious implications of borders with the everyday leisure of vacation spots. The End of the World café symbolizes this duality, reflecting both the playful and poignant aspects of living near a contentious border. The Polish government's recent actions, including building a fence along the border and reverting to historical names, underscore the ongoing political pressures in the region.

During World War II, the Leicester Museum and Art Gallery hosted the Mid-European Art exhibition, showcasing German Expressionist artworks. Organized by the anti-Nazi Free German League of Culture and supported by local figures, the exhibition fostered cultural ties between Britain and Germany. Key figures included curator Trevor Thomas and German-Jewish refugee Tekla Hess. The exhibition was part of broader efforts by British museums to maintain cultural activities during the war, counteracting the 'cultural black-out.' The event highlighted the resilience of art and its role in bridging communities during challenging times.

The Centre Pompidou in Paris hosts a multidisciplinary exhibition on the Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) movement from 1920s Germany, featuring over 900 works across various art forms. The exhibition explores the movement's realistic and cynical portrayal of post-World War I Germany, highlighting key figures like Otto Dix and Georg Grosz. It also delves into the movement's political and social contexts, including its split into right and left-wing variants and its embrace of sexual exploration. The exhibition includes a significant focus on August Sander's portrait photography, capturing contemporary German life. The influence of American business and Bauhaus design is also examined, situating Neue Sachlichkeit within broader international contexts.

The article discusses the highly dynamic changes in the energy market, focusing on the price forecasts for natural gas in 2024. It highlights the factors influencing these price changes and provides an analysis of potential future trends in the natural gas market.

Poland's first gay dating show, a local version of 'Finding Prince Charming,' will air later this year on TVN's streaming service Player.pl. The show aims to challenge stereotypes in a country ranked as the worst in the EU for LGBT rights due to a government-led anti-LGBT campaign. Hosted by Agnieszka 'Aggie' Lal, the show will feature 13 contestants and is set to be filmed in Spain. TVN hopes the program will promote inclusivity and provide entertainment. The article also highlights the opposition from the national-conservative ruling Law and Justice (PiS) party and the Catholic Church, which have led anti-LGBT campaigns in recent years.

Interwar Warsaw was a vibrant cultural hub, often referred to as the 'Paris of the North.' The city boasted illustrious theatres, modern cinemas, and iconic nightclubs like Adria, managed by Franciszek Moszkowicz. Cultural venues such as Mała Ziemiańska café and Qui Pro Quo cabaret were central to the city's artistic life, frequented by notable figures like Julian Tuwim and Witold Gombrowicz. The era also saw the rise of Poland's film industry, with cinemas like the Atlantic leading the way. However, the outbreak of World War II brought this cultural renaissance to an abrupt end, leaving much of the city in ruins and its cultural life strictly controlled by communist authorities post-war.

Activists propose transforming downtown Warsaw's Plac Zbawiciela into Poland's largest open-air café, featuring restaurant tables, food trucks, and cultural activities on summer weekends. The initiative aims to support local businesses affected by the pandemic. However, Warsaw's deputy mayor criticizes the plan, citing transportation access issues. The city hall suggests a similar but less extensive initiative. Miasto Jest Nasze, the activist group behind the proposal, has previously advocated for various urban improvements in Warsaw.