Parenthood - exhibition

In my exhibition I decided to explore an experience that connects all living beings, yet it is unique to all participants: parenthood. I was initially attracted to its manifold, often contradictory influence on human wellbeing. For some, being a parent or a child is the utmost blessing, for others, it proves an unbearable conviction. Through my works I am striving to showcase this complexity.

The first works are meant to illustrate the dark sides of parenting troubling Polish citizens. Inspired by numerous protests I have attended recently, the works take on the themes of strict abortion laws and the inability of same-sex couples to adopt children. I chose the works to encourage the viewers to contemplate the issues, by appealing to their empathy.

I also craved to showcase the pleasant sides of parenthood. The wire sculpture and the drawing illustrate one of its ideal fundamental features: the care of the parent towards the child. The works show that this affection transcends species in its ability to guide and support the offspring.

The painting was included to add a more abstract feel to the exhibition. A work slightly more vague than the rest, it reflects its unconventional message: that our culture is a parent as well, shaping our identities and habits. It is our responsibility to nourish its presence in ourselves, because it can easily fade away. The painting was inspired by my exchange abroad, during which I learned to appreciate my culture and its influence on me.

I chose the media carefully: the sculpture draws the viewers’ attention, while the photographs emphasize the authenticity of the issues presented. The wires mirror the harsh and complicated environment welcoming the child. The pencil, a delicate tool, was used on the calmest, most comforting work.

The first two works focus on the parents’ perspective, the second two explore the relationship between a child and its parent. The painting placed last takes on the perspective of a child. This way, viewers can gradually move from exploring parents’ to children’s mindsets. The placing of works also accounts for the changes in atmosphere: from a serious, sad one, through an uplifting one to reflective. The composition of my exhibit is symmetrical when it comes to dominant tones, which results in harmony. Cohesion was also achieved through choosing a unified colour palette, based on black and white and incorporating mostly reds, greens, and blues.

Gay, therefore not gay / Homoseksualni, więc nieszczęśliwi

Photography, digital art, 80 x 105 cm

The series of photographs shows the daily life of a Polish homosexual couple. When I learned they were prevented from adopting a child by the country’s law, I knew I needed to include their story in my exhibition. The photos were altered to bring attention to the emptiness brought about by the lack of a child, and the tragedy of not having anyone remember you after death. Many people do not notice these aspects, so the purpose here is to bring gay-related parenting problems closer to the viewers.

           

 Life(give)r / Dająca (tracąca) życie

Clay, acrylic paint, yarn, 12 x 16 x 29 cm

The sculpture shows a Polish woman forced to keep her pregnancy by the abortion laws. The tear conveys her suffering, while a red lightning symbolizes my country’s pro-choice movement. The woman is on her knees, in a silent breakdown or a prayer, and her head is bowed, which is meant to evoke compassion or outrage in the viewer. The work was inspired by Marc Quinn’s sculpture Alison Lapper Pregnant, with its ability to convey woman’s emotions through her body language and a simple composition.

Elephants in the room / Słonie w pokoju

Pencil on paper, 41 x 50 cm

My intention for the drawing was to demonstrate that the connection between a parent and a baby is not limited to humans. I chose elephants as the subject, because they are known to create intimate, strong bonds with their family members, they could even be treated as an example to follow. When we think about parenthood, we rarely consider other species, so the purpose of this work is to show that it connects all beings, of which some experience it with numerous similarities to humans.

Into the woods / W las

Styrofoam, wire, acrylic paint, spray paint, 35 x 30 x 42 cm

The work strives to show the parent’s role in introducing their child to the world, and guiding them through its challenges. The people have been designed to resemble trees, through their shape and colours. Resultantly, the child seems to be walking into an intimidating forest. The parent’s outstretched hand is there to oppose its influence on the child, symbolizing care and support, some of the most positive aspects of parenthood. It emerges that parenthood can be simple at its heart.

Dissolution / Rozpuszczenie

Oil and acrylic on canvas, 40 x 50 cm

The subjects of the work are the children of my city, Gdynia, who emigrated overseas. Away from home they can’t stay connected with the culture that raised them. This is illustrated by the floral pattern, a distinctive feature of the local art, dissolving in the sea around them. Such concept is representative of Gdynia’s history, as during the war people were forced to escape. The composition was inspired by an untitled photograph by Grzegorz Wełnicki, where the water destroys prejudice.