Fruits of the “Rare Earths” — exhibition opening
Staff of the Kazimierz Maślankiewicz Mineralogical Museum of the University of Wrocław invite you to the opening of the exhibition Owoce „Ziem Rzadkich”(eng. Fruits of the “Rare Earths”), where visitors will be able to see sculptures and macrophotographs by Janina Kudlaszyk-Wrotnowska and Albert Wrotnowski. The event will take place on 26 February at 5.00 p.m. at the Museum’s branch at ul. Kuźnicza 22.
The exhibition has been organised in cooperation with students from the Institute of Cultural Studies as part of the “Museum Interventions” initiative. The curatorial group, led by dr hab. Renata Tańczuk and composed of Cultural Studies students from the University of Wrocław, co-created both the concept and the curatorial framework of the project.
Fruits of the “Rare Earths” is an artistic project in which minerals are transformed into sculptures and macrophotographs. For years, Janina Kudlaszyk-Wrotnowska and Albert Wrotnowski have been fascinated by specimens from Lower Silesia – a region exceptionally rich in mineral resources, which for decades has attracted not only scientists, collectors and investors but also artists captivated by minerals. Expeditions following these geological trails resulted in the creation of their own collection, which became the inspiration for their artistic work.
The exhibition illuminates the intersection between human history and the “fruits of the Earth” that have matured over millions of years.
The titular fruit represents, on the one hand, the abundance generously provided by nature and, on the other, a symbol of human greed. Juxtaposing minerals with edible fruits provokes reflection on humanity’s relationship with the planet – on the world’s abundance, but also on unchecked consumerism and the exploitation of natural resources.
Presenting the works in the Mineralogical Museum of the University of Wrocław – where visitors usually admire the most remarkable specimens from Poland and around the world – introduces a new perspective. The artists remind us that humans are part of this planet and dependent on it, yet also exert a destructive impact on it. They invite admiration for the Earth’s beauty and richness, but also reflection on excess, greed and lack of restraint.
Janina Kudlaszyk-Wrotnowska – visual artist born in 1995 in Gorzów Wielkopolski. A graduate in sculpture from the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, where in 2019 she completed her diploma with distinction in the studio of prof. Christos Mandzios. Her artistic practice is process-based, inspired by attentive observation of nature and combining creative work with geotourism education and engagement with local communities. Finalist of the Good Design 2024 competition, recipient of the Rector’s Prize in the Best Diplomas of the Academy of Fine Arts 2019 review, and author of the geological lecture series Owoce Ziem Rzadkich, presented in Domanice during the United Arts Festival and at the Small Armoury of the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk (2025). Since 2024 she has been affiliated with the Dobra Łąka Association. Producer of exhibitions at ArtBrut Gallery and the Socio-Cultural Activation Studio in Wrocław (2024–2025), workshop coordinator at Pan Czapeczka, and designer at mimozy workshop. Fascinated by the landscape of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, she collects minerals from Lower Silesia.
Albert Wrotnowski – born in 1995 in Częstochowa. Visual artist, sculptor and performer; graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław. In his practice he employs hyperrealistic sculptural forms, often referencing culinary motifs as a satirical commentary on contemporary consumerism and everyday social tensions. Creator of the recurring performance action #takefreecake. Recipient of the Young Poland 2025 grant for the socio-artistic project Dobro Powszednie.
Winner of numerous international awards, including the Grand Prix CREA 2025, We Art Open 2023 and 2024 in Venice, the Audience Award at TOOLIP 2024 in Budapest, and a distinction in the PRÓBA 5 competition. Since 2018 he has held the title of European Champion of Hand Stone Carving. Author of solo exhibitions in Wrocław’s urban space and in contemporary art galleries. He also works as “Pan Czapeczka” – a cultural animator and geotourism educator, delivering lectures and activities popularising knowledge about natural stone, geology and raw materials. His practice develops simultaneously in sculpture, performance and socio-artistic initiatives in which art becomes a tool for dialogue, co-creation and the cultivation of sensitivity.
“Museum Interventions” is a curatorial group led by Dr hab. Renata Tańczuk and composed of Cultural Studies students at the University of Wrocław. The students collaborate with museum institutions, critically engage with exhibitions and museum narratives, and develop alternative forms of research and knowledge production. The result of this collaboration is a series of artistic-research projects presented to museum audiences.
Group members:
Karolina Adamus, Anna Bieliz, Sandra Białko, Aleksandra Furtak, Aleksandra Kozłowska, Zofia Pawlicka, Igor Patryas, Wiktoria Puławska, Urszula Zaleska
The exhibition will be open from 26 February to 16 April 2026 at the Mineralogical Museum of the University of Wrocław, ul. Kuźnicza 22.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. More information is available on the website.
Date of publication: 23.02.2026
Added by: M.J.
