Why Three Monkeys? – A personal journey that grew into a passion and a life project
Why Three Monkeys? – A personal journey that grew into a passion and a life project
It wasn’t a plan. There was no strategy, no big vision.
There was one figurine. Then another. And a third.
And then… I simply couldn’t stop.
For almost twenty years I’ve been collecting objects with the motif of the Three Wise Monkeys: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.
Today my collection counts more than 1,500 pieces – figurines, paintings, graphics, everyday objects – from dozens of countries, made of wood, stone, glass, metal, porcelain, plastic and many other materials.
Each of them has its own story. Each of them is a different interpretation of the same symbol.
Why this motif?
Because the Three Monkeys are more than just decoration.
They are a symbol full of meaning – sometimes humorous, sometimes profound, sometimes controversial.
A mirror in which our choices, our conscience and our everyday life are reflected.
A sign that in one moment can be a message of peace, and in another – a warning against silence and passivity in the face of evil.
For me, it became something deeply personal.
Collecting the Three Monkeys is not just about objects – it is a journey through the world, through cultures, and through myself.
It is a way of understanding reality and sharing important ideas with others – sometimes in a whisper, sometimes with humor, and sometimes very directly.
From passion to project
Over the years I met people like me – collectors, artists, enthusiasts, especially from Belgium and the Netherlands.
And I found someone truly exceptional: Emil – today the greatest authority in Europe and worldwide on the subject of the Three Monkeys. His knowledge and support are invaluable to me.
By my side are also people who help from the heart:
– my daughter Kasia,
– and many kind people from different countries.
With their help, I understood that this collection cannot remain hidden in a closet.
The idea of creating a Museum of the Three Monkeys was born – a unique, inspiring place open to everyone.
Perhaps in Wrocław, maybe in Vienna, or maybe… in any big city that feels this project.
I also consider the idea of a long-term traveling exhibition – but more about that can be found in the “Project” section.
Why the Three Monkeys?
Because this path found me.
And now I know it’s not only my story – it’s a story that can touch others.
And if even one person looks at the world a little differently thanks to this collection,
then the whole journey has been worth it.