exhibition

Collecting has long been a guiding theme at the Centre of Contemporary Art “Znaki Czasu” in Toruń. In recent years the museum has presented dozens of shows featuring outstanding modern and contemporary collections held by public institutions and private patrons alike. Extending this research, CSW now turns its attention to alternative, fan-driven forms of collecting and – for the first time – devotes an exhibition to a fandom archive.

“reMeMber” draws on a private trove focused on Mac Miller (Malcolm McCormick, 1992–2018), the genre-defying rapper, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose meteoric rise carried him from suburban Pittsburgh to global acclaim. In just twenty-six years he released an astonishing body of work, balancing swagger with vulnerability and a keen visual sense. His songs and videos mirrored his shifting emotional states, inviting listeners into journeys through joy, grief and self-reflection. True to his roots, Miller championed his local community and beloved sports teams – a commitment continued today by the Mac Miller Fund, which helps young people develop their creative potential and backs organisations tackling substance-abuse issues in the music industry.

The exhibition celebrates this “beautiful mind” by showing how Miller’s music resonates far beyond the recording studio. Limited-edition vinyl, cassettes, posters, unreleased tour photos and collectible merchandise move from a fan’s bedroom into the gallery, accompanied by new works from contemporary artists who translate his sound into painting, sculpture and video. Together, these objects reveal that fan archives are not merely repositories of nostalgia but vital voices shaping our cultural memory.

“reMeMber” is therefore more than a tribute; it is a case study in how passion, authenticity and community can build an enduring legacy – one that continues to inspire creativity across disciplines.

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