As part of the celebrations, installations by two Polish artists, the renowned ceramicist Alicja Patanowska and Alicja Biała, who incorporates many different media in her work, have been displayed in the buildings of the Council of the European Union.
The main inauguration ceremony took place earlier this week at the site of Patanowska's installation, which focuses on water as a symbol of life.
Speaking at the event, Poland's minister for European affairs, Adam Szłapka, emphasized the significance of the exhibition.
"This exhibition presents a piece of Poland—modern, rooted in tradition, yet forward-thinking," Szłapka said.
Deputy Culture Minister Marta Cienkowska highlighted the importance of promoting young female artists internationally.
"It is important that these exhibitions are created by young women, whom we are giving the opportunity to present their work in Europe," she said. "I must say their works are incredible and truly inspiring."
Patanowska's installation, titled We Are the Weather, explores the theme of climate change and human impact on the environment.
"The title itself is meaningful because we, as people, influence the climate," she explained. "My installation focuses on water—it tells a story of interspecies solidarity and the need for such solidarity."
The installation consists of three elements: cobalt water catchers, fountains, and ceramic tiles.
The art installation "We Are the Weather" by Polish artist Alicja Patanowska at the EU Council building in Brussels, Belgium, January 14, 2025. Photo: EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
Biała’s installation, titled Regeneration, reflects on renewal, reconstruction and hope.
"It is made of metal, measures two by twelve meters, and is acid-etched into brass," the artist said. "It depicts a landscape filled with plants and human figures. Many of these plants are known as hyperaccumulators, meaning they have the ability to extract heavy metals from the soil, purifying it."
Both installations will remain in the Council buildings until the end of June, when Poland’s presidency of the EU will conclude.
This week's cultural inauguration of the Polish presidency in Brussels also included a concert by the jazz group Marcin Wasilewski Trio at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in the Belgian capital. The trio recently celebrated 30 years of working together.
Planned future events include a meeting with Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk, a performance by the iconic folk group Mazowsze, and a recital by countertenor Jakub Józef Orliński, who was the only Polish artist to perform at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games.