June in Japan is a time of intensified rainfall. Tsuyu – as the rain season is referred to – literally translates as ‘plum rain’ as this is the month when plums become ripe in Japan.

Ame futte ji katamaru – ‘the ground hardens after rain’ – is a Japanese saying referring to human relationships, suggesting that adversities and failures ultimately lead to building a mutual harmony and a stronger relationship. Going beyond the adage, all of our experiences, even the most difficult ones, shape our character, our perception of the world and ideas on how to develop relationships, and thus generate ongoing growth and inner strength.

The Ground Hardens After Rain is a project that offers an opportunity to take a look at the condition of man and the nature that surrounds us through the metaphor of water, rain, and tears. The works on display are by Krakow’s artists of the young generation while the curatorial team are members of the Manggha Museum Youth Council.

Maturing is an ongoing process. All memories soak into the consecutive pages of our histories; sometimes they get smudged or completely washed out but new ones continue to replace them. Crying enables us to purify ourselves. So does rain. Tears are tiny catalysers of emotions; eyes are clouds. Memories and emotions take on a liquid guise and spread through our bodies. Hiroshige loved rain. The ground needs watering.

We are all 60 per cent water.