An exhibition that no one will see
oryginal tittle: “Wystawa, której nikt nie zobaczy”
Center of Polish Sculpture in Orońsko, 2020
Curator:
Leszek Golec
Photo:
Leszek Golec
Sculpture:
Let’s watch humans die (2019 – 2020)
50 x 44 x 77 cm
Acrylic resin, aluminum, bronze
When art mirrors the destruction of the world around us.
The Exhibition that No One Will See is a profound and thought-provoking art project, combining Ida Karkoszka’s original concept Let's Watch Humans Die… with the Polish Sculpture Center in Orońsko’s ambitious vision to create a symbol of the times we are living through, marked by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This exhibition becomes a metaphorical reflection on human actions, societal behavior, and the unforeseen consequences of our existence, while considering the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
The project is deeply rooted in the symbolism of certain animals — the pig, rat, and raven — which, despite being some of the most intelligent creatures on the planet, have been unfairly demonized throughout human history. These animals have long been associated with filth, decay, and death, yet in Karkoszka’s portrayal, they take on a more profound, almost prophetic role. The series of photographs showcasing her sculptures of these animals are positioned in sites of destruction and abandonment: desolate landfills, piles of rubble, and empty fields where nature has been pushed aside by human greed, development, and industrialization. These spaces, once full of vibrant life, are now despoiled remnants of human progress.
The animals’ gaze is hauntingly observant. They stand as silent witnesses to the ravages of human civilization, observing the very destruction that we have brought upon the world. Their presence in these locations, watching from their elevated positions, suggests that they are not only reacting to the environmental damage but are also serving as a stark commentary on the self-destructive nature of humanity.
Their intelligence, once overlooked, now serves as a poignant reminder of the creatures we have disregarded and exploited, yet whose wisdom seems to surpass our own.
In Orońsko, where the exhibition is set in the vast, empty halls of an art institution, the contrast between the deserted space and the vibrant sculptures of the animals becomes even more striking. The institution, a place once bustling with creativity, is now eerily quiet, reflecting the isolation and disruption brought about by the pandemic. Karkoszka’s sculptures seem to reflect the void created by our own actions, as the animals observe the very institution — and society at large — that is in a state of crisis.
The meaning of Karkoszka’s work has taken on new layers of significance in the current global climate. The COVID-19 pandemic has illuminated how deeply interconnected our actions are with the well-being of the planet, exposing how our transportation methods, consumer habits, and disregard for environmental balance have contributed to the spread of deadly viruses. The once-dismissed warning signs from nature now feel like urgent cries of survival. Karkoszka’s sculptures — once an artistic commentary on the fragility of life — now take on a darker, more ominous meaning as they reflect not only environmental destruction but also the vulnerability of humanity itself.
This exhibition forces the viewer to confront uncomfortable truths: our reckless consumption and disregard for nature have led us to a point where we must now face the consequences. The Exhibition that No One Will See becomes not just a showcase of sculptures, but a visceral meditation on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings — a reminder that, just as we are destroying the world around us, we too are at risk of losing what we hold dear.
SCULPTURE 
Let's watch humans die
(2019 – 2020)
50 x 44 x 77 cm
Acrylic resin, aluminum, bronze