Swidno
Foundation
Swidno Foundation
Once derelict and abandoned, the historic villa in Swidno hosts the studio’s experimentations and long-term observation, both indoors and outside. The Palace serves as a habitat for both human and nonhuman creatures. Manmade objects synchronise with the microclimate, turning the architectural structure into an experimental incubator. Nature literally acts as a host here, reacting to our presence — and the objects we implant there — with gentle hostility.
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The ancient walls embrace our Living Archive, probing its lifespan.
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Located in the heart of rural Poland, just outside Warsaw, the Foundation combines the best of the two worlds.
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The villa overlooks a state-protected nature reserve.
With the sense of deep time surrounding the entire space, we navigate to develop a new chapter in the villa’s history. Working within the fields of ecology, education and preservation, we aim to redefine its function as a laboratory for our ideas, a gallery for our works and a platform to grow our foundation. Inspired by nature, observing its growth and steady decay, we are constantly pushed towards rethinking the mark we are leaving there.
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[ img ]Encoded Symbols sculptures inhabit the vaulted cellars. -
[ img ]Perishable sculpture’s fragile existence is tested against the forces of nature. -
[ img ]Marcin Rusak in Swidno.
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Swidno hosts the studio’s experimentations and long-term observation, both indoors and outside.
Surrounded by expansive wilderness and overlooking the vastness of the Pilica River’s valley, the villa is brought to life yet again through meticulous restoration and subtle contemporary interventions. Our unique sculptural pieces, prototypes and mockups are put in dialogue with the space, defined by ancient architecture and ever-evolving nature. The palace, together with the age-old park, give a meaningful setting that resonates with the new contents.
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Nature literally acts as a host here.
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With the sense of deep time surrounding the entire space, we navigate to develop a new chapter in the villa’s history.
Sourcing from nature’s ways, we learn to implement the cycles of growth and decline in our own projects. In constant dialogue with the ever-changing surroundings, our creations aim to highlight, protect and observe nature’s fragile beauty and negotiate the value we bestow upon it.
Where nature and culture become one,
decay (en)counters preservation.
Experience the Swidno Foundation’s work through a guided visit, available by appointment
