Ewa Dąbkowska

I graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw with a degree in Painting in June 2024, and since then I have been trying to find my place in the artistic community. Although I had been active in a collective for four years, co-organising exhibitions and creating art, leaving the supportive environment of the academy was a huge shock to me. For several months, I struggled with depression as I tried to get my life together and focus on art. Creativity became more of a necessity than a pleasure, and both my mental health and my creativity suffered as a result. 

 I was close to abandoning the art world and returning to my hometown, but I decided to give myself time and a chance, as I care so much about art. Before studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, I studied astronomy. During my studies, I came to terms with my sexual orientation and decided to work with people who were afraid of themselves, just as I was before—that’s why I started creating art. 

 I am applying to the programme to help me identify my priorities, calm my breathing and create work with the help of mentoring and financial support. I am currently working on a series about mourning the ‘loss’ of heterosexuality, which is demanding in terms of both time and mental energy. I want to highlight hidden topics that, when addressed, can provide support and understanding. I want my art to provide my audience with a sense of relief through the experience of community. 

In my opinion, the theme of this edition touches on the struggles of young artists to find their place in the art world and break through the glass ceiling. A sense of stability and security among artists is essential for the resilience of the art community. 

 Through my art, I address topics that are often overlooked in the queer community. People who struggle with these issues often feel alone and do not talk about them. 

I realised how important it was to address these silenced issues when, during my graduation exhibition on the relationship between queer people and faith, many people approached me to say that they had felt alienated, and to thank me for providing them with a sense of community. 

 Having seen the real impact that such action can have on people, I am determined to continue addressing niche, untouched topics. Currently, I am preoccupied with the grief experienced by queer people in relation to the ‘loss’ of heterosexuality. This is one of the silent aspects of their experience and, for some, it is even a source of shame and guilt. During the programme, I would like to continue working on this topic, learn how to communicate with more people affected by this issue and explore different perspectives to share. 

 I ran queer knitting meetings in the summer of 2024 and planned to resume them in autumn. However, I couldn’t find a venue or funding and was struggling with depression, so I put this topic on hold. I therefore put this topic on hold. I would like to learn more about running meetings and facilitating conversations and community action. I want to learn how to create an open space that provides a sense of security and support. Knitting together helps people open up and form bonds, which is especially beneficial for shy and neurodiverse individuals. 

Equally important to me is learning how to maintain balance and mental health amidst all this, so as not to burn out from the enormous amount of sadness and problems I deal with. I would need support with this, both practical and perhaps psychological. 

I am a knitter, painter, co-founder of the Splendor Group, and member of Dolina Niesamowitości [Uncanny Valley]. In 2024, I graduated with honours from the Faculty of Painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw. 

 Through my art, I explore the experiences of queer individuals, particularly their relationships with faith and their upbringing in heteronormative societies. By incorporating Christian and queer symbolism, I create an inclusive language of meanings and, with it, a space for conversation and empathy. I aim to raise awareness of issues that are not widely discussed in the community, so that those who are affected by them do not feel alone. I paint with egg tempera, reflecting on the sacredness of images and individuals. At the same time, I knit clothes and tapestries. Reproducing designs methodically in knitwear has a meditative effect on me. By creating images from dozens of thin threads, I explore the therapeutic effect of knitting on the psyche. I knit to help me regulate myself and to raise awareness of the therapeutic properties of knitting. 

 My work has been presented at numerous group exhibitions throughout Poland, as well as at individual and collective exhibitions. I was a finalist in the 11th Young Art Biennale ‘Rybie Oko’ (2024) and the 12th International Biennale of Artistic Linen Fabric–Debuts (2024), among others. In the same year, I participated in the intergenerational plein air event ‘Biały Szum’, organised by the Baltic Contemporary Art Gallery. My tapestries were selected for the 23rd SURVIVAL 3s/8h Art Review in 2025.