In 1960s Poland, 9-year old girl, Iwona, and her fearless best friend broke into an abandoned, bomb-ruined theatre and saw a strange apparition. There on the stage, in post-war Wroclaw, stood a group of ghostly actors, dressed in historical costumes. 

This thrilling story is the inspiration for an artwork by artist Katy B Plummer, We Believe You Babcia. The story has been told time and time again to the artist’s children by their paternal grandmother, Iwona. 

We Believe You Babcia is an exhibition about storytelling, Polish grandmothers, intergenerational relationships and the lineage of familial creativity.

The exhibition combines cinematic storytelling with domestic textile practices. Through performance, video and large-scale textiles, the artist explores how history can be haunting. 

Plummer is a graduate of the College of Fine Arts in Sydney and the School of Visual Art in New York. She grew up on the Northern Beaches, now lives and works in Sydney, and has exhibited her work in galleries across Australia and overseas.   

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said Manly Art Gallery & Museum was thrilled to host such a fascinating exhibition.

“What a thrilling tale the artist has shared, passed down over generations. I’m sure many visitors will be fascinated by this wonderful tale artfully portrayed through a variety of artistic practices.

“Manly Art Gallery & Museum continues to position itself as a hub of creativity on the Northern Beaches, curating powerful exhibitions which resonate and find connections within our community.”

We Believe You Babcia
14 June – 28 July 2024
Manly Art Gallery & Museum
West Esplanade Reserve, Manly
Open Tue – Sun, 10am – 5pm (closed Mondays and Public Holidays)
Free entry

Exhibition Opening
Thursday 20 June, 6 – 8pm
to be opened by Pippa Mott, Director of Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf
Bookings essential

Members and volunteers’ preview
Friday 21 June, 10.30am–11.30am
Bookings essential

Workshop: Zines & Patches with Katy B Plummer
Wednesday 17 July, 10am – 12pm
Katy B Plummer will lead participants through her multimedia art installation, We Believe You Babcia, about ghosts and family storytelling. She will then guide you in making zines and iron-on patches that weave in a family story or honour an intriguing character in your family history.
Bookings essential

For more information visit www.magam.com.au