You’ve got a Spider, I Know (– Masz pająka, – Wiem) – Karolina Szwed

2023, oil on canvas

The painting was inspired by an incident in the artist’s life when a small spider got stuck in her eye, causing irritation. The reddened conjunctiva gave rise to a somewhat peculiar conversation with her sister – the title of the work is an actual quote from that exchange.

Sweaty Flower (Spocony kwiatek) – Karolina Szwed

2023, oil on canvas

In the popular imagination, the flower is often linked to the category of femininity – it is considered a symbol of innocence and beauty. The artist depicts the plant in conditions of difficult growth, against a background of dry soil and red sun. Drops of perspiration drip from its leaves, the only thing that betrays the effort made to stay alive.