Dominika Leśniak – Crisis – part of the Windows 2022. New Phenomena series

Venue: LKW Gallery / ul. Szopy

Official opening: Thursday, 8 December 2022, 6 p.m.

Exhibition dates: 8–22 December 2022

Opening times: 4–8 p.m.

The project forms part of the "Windows 2022. New Phenomena" series

Poland is part of the European energy system that, until recently, has largely relied on Russian supplies. The war in Ukraine has drastically changed the status quo. In retaliation for the sanctions imposed on Russia after its aggression on Ukraine, it cut off gas supplies to many countries. Consequently, Europe is currently facing what may be one of the most serious energy crises in its history.

Russians are trying to destroy Ukraine’s energy infrastructure right before winter for a reason. This strategy is designed to undermine the spirit of Ukrainians, change their life into hell, paralyse the country and ruin its potential on the energy market. Blackouts, cuts to water access and interruptions in heating in Ukraine are getting longer and more severe.

How to protect millions of people against the coming cold? Heads of European states talk about a crisis plan for the winter, but some solutions are downright absurd. One example are the Polish authorities talking about collecting brushwood and burning everything ‘apart from tires, obviously’. EU leaders recommend buying thick socks and sweaters and turning down the heating in our homes. The Greek ambassador in Berlin invites all pensioners from the north to spend the autumn and winter on warm Mediterranean islands. In Germany, there is talk about gathering firewood…

My installation made of wool – a material that, for centuries, has been used as protection against the cold – is an attempt at commenting on the energy crisis we are facing.

Dominika Leśniak: born in 1997, she graduated from the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. She presented her graduation project Popsuj-zabawa/Strzyża in 2021 in the studio of Prof. Henryk Cześnik and the Public Art Studio of Prof. Robert Florczak. Her works have been shown at various solo and group exhibitions, including Prezentacje Młodych in SFINKS700 club, Spod powiek mych żal at TuBaza, Gdynia, GOOEY at Pawlacz Gallery and Young Painting from Gdańsk. 2019-2021 Graduates. In 2018, she participated in a week-long plein-air session in Kaliningrad, which culminated in an exhibition at the Chodowiecki and Grass House. She took part in performances during events such as Sopocka Bagietka and Mikstury Kultury. She works with painting and makes videos, objects, and installations.

IG: @dodistarrr