Poland 2026

Title: Liquid Tongues
Commissioner: Agnieszka Pindera, Director of Zachęta — National Gallery of Art
Curators: Ewa Chomicka, Jolanta Woszczenko
Exhibitors: Bogna Burska, Daniel Kotowski

The work explores alternative modes of communication inspired by “more-than-human” life forms, specifically the communication codes and songs of whales, interpreted in both spoken English and International Sign (IS). Curated by Ewa Chomicka and Jolanta Woszczenko, the audio-video installation features Bogna Burska, Daniel Kotowski, and the Choir in Motion (Chór w Ruchu).

The narrative focuses on themes of loss and reconstruction, ranging from the revival of whale cultures to contemporary efforts to recover marginalised languages. The installation functions across multiple sensory levels, incorporating cinematography, sound compositions, and physical experiences through acoustic waves that mimic whale vocalisations and echolocation.

A central concept of the project is “Deaf Gain”, which frames deafness as a distinct culture and identity rather than a disability. Significant portions of the audio and video are recorded underwater—an environment where deaf individuals communicate freely via sign language while hearing voices become distorted.