“Podlaski wymiar sztuki” (The Podlasie Dimension of Art) – an exhibition in the heart of Białystok
A special art event took place in the heart of Białystok, bringing together generations of artists and the beauty of Podlasie’s nature.
In January 2025, Białystok once again became the setting for an extraordinary art event under the shared title “Podlaski wymiar sztuki” (The Podlasie Dimension of Art). The project presented two exhibitions: “Rzeczpospolita babska” (The Women’s Republic) and “Plener Białowieski 2024” (Białowieża Plein-Air 2024) – both devoted entirely to Podlasie, its culture, nature and artists. The event was held in the spaces of the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic, where for several weeks visitors can see works by artists of different generations and sensibilities. It was there, in an elegant and open space, that the paintings took on a special power. The exhibition will be open from 18 January to 2 March 2025.
Rzeczpospolita babska – the feminine energy of Podlasie art
Organiser: Bernarda Nikitorowicz
“Rzeczpospolita babska” (The Women’s Republic) was an extraordinary presentation of a female perspective on the world – full of power, subtlety, intuition and symbols. It featured women artists working in Podlasie and connected with the region.
Women artists taking part in the “Podlaski wymiar sztuki” exhibition:
Bernarda Nikitorowicz
Barbara Drzemicka-Kardasz
Magdalena Dziejma
Katarzyna Krauze-Romejko
Magdalena Talmon
Krystyna Kunicka
Tatiana Kozik
Joanna Półkośnik
Daria Ostrowska
Ewelina Ramotowska
Barbara Piekarska Abou-Hilal
Alicja Szkil
Elżbieta Grzybek
Beata Palikot-Borowska
Ewa Wiśniewska-Benedyczuk
Karolina Dadura
Each artist showed two paintings, which created a remarkably diverse yet coherent portrait of women’s art from Podlasie.
My works in the exhibition
I proudly presented two paintings:
1. “I Was, I Am, I Will Be…” – an intimate story of female strength and identity.
2. “Spirit of the Forest” – a painting created especially for this exhibition.
“Spirit of the Forest” is my tribute to Podlasie, its nature and the symbolism of this place. It depicts a woman-nymph intertwined with the animals of the region: a European bison, a hare and a squirrel. Podlasie – known as the “green lungs of Poland” – became a metaphor here for harmony, peace and strength.
The opening night drew a large number of visitors. The atmosphere was festive and warm, full of conversations, emotional moments and encounters with people who love art.
Plener Białowieski 2024 – Podlasie painted with light
Organisers: MARCHAND Independent Art Gallery and Podlaski Dom Aukcyjny (Podlasie Auction House)
Venue: Białowieża → followed by an exhibition at the Podlasie Opera and Philharmonic
“Plener Białowieski 2024” (Białowieża Plein-Air 2024) is a record of artists’ encounter with nature. The works were created in the surroundings of the Białowieża Forest, and the guiding themes were wildness, light, space and the unique atmosphere of this place.
Artists taking part in the plein-air:
Iwona Ostrowska
Alicja Szkil
Bernarda Nikitorowicz
Magdalena Jankowska
Ewa Podlodowska
Daria Alicja Ostrowska
Sylwia Mużyło
Krzysztof Koniczek
Grzegorz Radziewicz
Daniel Gromacki
Piotr Brzozowski
Adam Ślefarski
Jakub Podlodowski
Barbara Bańka
Sylwester Stabryła
Why does “Podlaski wymiar sztuki” matter?
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it is a tribute to Podlasie and its culture,
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a celebration of local artists,
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a fusion of feminine energy and the natural beauty of the region,
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a meeting of generations – experienced artists and young ones still finding their voice,
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an event that builds the artistic identity of the region and supports its development.
For me, taking part in “Rzeczpospolita babska” was a great honour and a beautiful experience – a dialogue between art, emotion and the place I come from.
