Looking Through Objects: Women in Contemporary Polish Design

As part of its temporary exhibition programme, the Design Museum Brussels also offers a perspective on contemporary European design. After Greece, the Czech Republic and Hungary, the focus will be now on Poland’s in May 2025. Looking Through Objects: Women in Contemporary Polish Design is proposed as an accompanying event of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union cultural programme and showcases the works of 16 Polish women designers. From product design to one-off pieces, these creations tell the story of a rich array of singular achievements. Echoing the panel discussion on this subject organised last January in collaboration with Disegno magazine, this exhibition is the result of the work of the curators Agnieszka Jacobson-Cielecka, Gian Luca Amadei and Dario Lombardi with the Polish Institute Brussels, whom the Design Museum Brussels is delighted to welcome. 

Looking Through Objects is an original exhibition that illustrates the major role played by women designers in Poland today. They are now the active, independent protagonists who think about design in a way that is far removed from the roles of muses and patrons.

The exhibition presents a selection of objects that offer an insight into the field of design in Poland. The aim is to understand the influence and contribution of these designers to the creative process: their inspirations, strategies and approaches to materials. The multitude of creative visions and modes of design practice prove that art, craft and technology are combined and can coexist in a single project. From pragmatic approaches to creative freedom, there are many different creative processes, and this exhibition reflects that. Design is a catalyst for art, craft and industry, translating the author’s individual and creative choices.

Organisers: Design Museum Brussels and Polish Institute Brussels
Partners: SWPS University in Warsaw, Royal College of Art in London, National Museum in Gdańsk
Curators: Agnieszka Jacobson-Cielecka, Gian Luca Amadei, Dario Lombardi