Projects by Bęc Zmiana Foundation
Vanish by the Vistula
A series of artistic / ecological / existential experiments at the riverbanks entitled “Vanish by the Vistula”.
The project aims to preserve the natural value of the wild Vistula, at the same time promoting and popularizing this unique treasure. However, a successful promotion may cause its wild banks to be trampled by hordes of viewers and artists, thus destroying the natural value that will be promoted. In order to safeguard the delicate balance between culture and nature, it is necessary to embark on a search for new innovative solutions. One of them will consist in a series of experiments with the processes of human blending into a natural environment, or the acts of disappearing, camouflage, and invisibility
During a three-month exhibition invited artists will devise various scenarios of disappearing, and then they will put them into practice. A memorial plate in the ground will be the only physical evidence after an effective disappearance of an artist, bearing an inscription: “In this place, on the day dd.mm.yyyy, vanished XY. Artist”. The plates will be modest, so as not to harm the environment.
The inhabitants of Warsaw will be informed about the exact dates and places of disappearing. The audience will witness its effectiveness with their own eyes.
Project’s timing: end of June / beginning of July – beginning of October.
Synchronization
The activity is a continuation of the successful project “Synchronicity Warsaw. Projects for Warsaw of the future” carried out in 2008 by Bęc Zmiana Foundation.
“Synchronization 2”. Author: Jakub Szczęsny
The project aspires to research the Vistula’s potential, both as a source of energy and an element that can substantially improve the landscape of Warsaw. The project will take place along the whole expanse of the river’s channel.
Apart from the architect, Jakub Szczęsny, experts in the fields of hydrodynamics, alternative sources of energy, water treatment systems, ecology and ornithology, will also participate as co-authors or consultants. Conceptual projects of devices resulting from the research will possibly constitute a form of Warsaw’s signature, as a city starting new life in harmony with nature.
Activities will come to an end with a publication featuring texts and projects of the devices invented during the research process, which will be potentially assembled by the Vistula. Simultaneously, an exhibition will be organized to showcase the results of the project’s research
Estimated timing of this activity: end of June / beginning of July – beginning of October.
“Słowa / Words” Project. Authors: Karol Murlak and Magdalena Czapiewska
“Words” project envisions locating a quotation alley along the area running alongside the riverbank. As a result, a multifunctional space will appear on the map of Warsaw, fusing recreation, artistic and intellectual functions. The inscription will feature on the flagstones of the Vistula embankment, between Śląsko-Dąbrowski and Gdański bridges, near the pedestrian subway. It will be 200-meter long, carrying a text written in two-meter high over-scaled letters.
Duration of the exposition: July – mid October.
Project: “Neon”. Author: Maurycy Gomulicki
An installation constructed with more than one hundred neon lamps, which will switch on and off in predetermined sequences. The neon will be active from dusk till early hours of the morning. At twilight, a pink light of the neon will add a subtle light to the area, making it safer and more pleasant for walkers.
Location: next to Wisłostrada, Kępa Potocka park.
Duration of the exposition: opening in August. Permanent installation.
