Agata Włodarczyk and Katarzyna Biwald—winners of second prize in the 7R competition “Warehouse of Art: Young Art for the Planet” in the category of mural designs for a firewater tank—talk about their inspirations and their work on the competition entry.
What inspired you to create your competition entry?
Katarzyna Biwald: The impetus came from thinking about what we really want to say and how to visually represent the ideas we want to convey—so that the whole piece is understandable and clear to the viewer. I’m often inspired by nature in my work and try to include a realistic element. I’m inspired by specific moments. Sometimes I take photos that serve as a starting point for later work. Agata, on the other hand, often chooses abstractions.
Agata Włodarczyk: The creative process itself was very interesting; we met halfway. As for me, I’m inspired by fantasy in the broadest sense, Japanese demonology, magic, and horoscopes.
What message does your contest entry convey?
Agata Włodarczyk: We wanted to highlight that in a few years we may face a water shortage, and encourage people to collect rainwater, among other things.
Can artists influence people’s awareness of the need to care for the planet—and if so, how?
Agata Włodarczyk: I want to believe that artists can make a difference and that art can be a way to express ideas. We can try to influence people’s attitudes toward environmental issues. It is likely that engaging with art that addresses ecological issues can change people’s behavior in this area.
What projects are you currently working on? Can you share any details about them?
Agata Włodarczyk: I’m working on a series of drawings depicting Japanese demons. I’m creating them with colored pencils.
Katarzyna Biwald: In my current works, I explore the theme of travel. I’m not from Warsaw, so the journey home is a significant experience for me—a kind of ritual. The views and landscapes I see through the window—and especially the feelings they evoke—are an important source of inspiration for me. It’s not direct contact; after all, the glass separates us—but nature-related themes are of great significance in my work.
Is environmentalism important in your daily life?
Agata Włodarczyk, Katarzyna Biwald: Yes , we try to pay close attention to everyday activities that can impact the environment, such as recycling and following a vegetarian diet. We are also aware that caring for the environment is the responsibility of large corporations, and they too have a very important role to play in this regard.
About the Warehouse of Art Competition
The 7R competition, “Warehouse of Art: Young Art for the Planet,” was open to students and graduates of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. Its theme was “Technology. Ecology. Human. Coexistence.” The competition task was to create an eco-themed applied art project in one of three categories: an ergonomic seat, a mural for a fire hydrant, and an eco-friendly 7R gadget. A total of 26 entries were submitted to the competition. The winners’ works are available at7rwarehouseofart.pl.
