Power, Prejudice, Stereotypes – Exhibition by Sylwia Zawiślak

Can we, as autonomous individuals, break through the barriers we set for ourselves, and how can we strive for a more inclusive and empathetic society?

Sylwia Zawiślak’s solo exhibition presents a profound examination of contemporary mechanisms of power, prejudice, and stereotypes that shape our worldview. The world that Zawiślak invites us into compels us to reflect on our own prejudices, the ways in which the media shape our perceptions of others, and how art can serve as a tool for breaking down stereotypes and building a more empathetic world. It inspires the search for contemporary utopias and calls for understanding, urging collective efforts to bridge the divides that still separate us. Through her work, she demonstrates that art does not only document reality, but can also become a tool for change.

At the core of the exhibition are linocuts created by the artist during her residency at Laurenz Haus in Basel (2024–2025). These figurative and expressive works illustrate how the mechanisms of stereotypes and prejudice infiltrate mass culture, becoming embedded within its very fabric, and continue to shape our perspectives on individuals and social values. Through her technique, Zawiślak not only integrates the tradition of linocut with a modern form but also imbues her works with a deep critical and social dimension. Her art addresses social divisions and the pursuit of understanding identity in a transnational context. Living outside of her homeland, Zawiślak gains a unique perspective, which allows her to objectively observe the stereotypes and discrimination that govern social norms across various parts of the world. These linocuts are not merely artistic experiments. They also represent a reflection on the state of contemporary society, in which social, racial, and gender divides continue to have a tangible impact on the lives of individuals.

The exhibition also features new artistic objects, enriched with glass, plastic, and epoxy resin, as expressions of the artist’s evolving creative explorations. Through these works, she experiments with materials to create objects that serve as a bridge between tradition and modernity. A complementary part of the exhibition consists of portraits of women whom Zawiślak encountered during her time in Switzerland. These works, made from self-produced ceramic tiles, represent the artist’s personal interpretations, capturing her encounters and creating portraits as a sign of respect for their experiences and stories. Each portrait is not only an external depiction but also a reflection on inner identity and the role these women play in society. The artist, who combines traditional graphic techniques with modern mixed media approaches, invites reflection on the ongoing presence of societal prejudices and how they influence our perceptions of others—be it their race, gender, social class, or sexual orientation.

Sylwia Zawiślak (b. 1991, Rzeszów, Poland) is a visual artist and graphic designer, holding a Master’s degree from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Rzeszów (PL), where she graduated in 2015. In her work, she merges traditional graphic techniques, such as linocut, with modern mixed-media methods. Zawiślak is currently participating in an artistic residency at Laurenz Haus in Basel (2024–2025). She has been awarded numerous prizes and distinctions, including first prize at the 9th National Linocut and Exlibris Competition in Katowice. Her works have been showcased in both solo and group exhibitions in Poland and internationally.