Paulina Olowska's inaugural exhibition at Pace features a diverse showcase of paintings, collages, film, and sound installations at Pace’s Hanover Square gallery. Focused on female perspectives and Slavic folklore, the presentation explores mythological deities and demons through a modern lens.

The exhibition, named after Olowska’s video installation, Squelchy Garden Mules and Mamunas, reimagines Slavic myths, portraying Mamunas as earthly nymphs rather than menacing demons. Large-scale paintings, named after Slavic deities, depict Mamuna-muses in northern European forests, challenging historical characterizations.

An innovative video installation in the upper galleries features Mamunas in woodland hollows, resembling Black Forest cuckoo clocks. A framed painting, Kadenówka Bouquet, based on Artist House Kadenowka Foundation, adds depth to the narrative. Olowska collaborates with Jessica Segall on chandeliers, symbolizing forest intelligence, adorned with ceramic and glass mushrooms, pinecones, and more.

The lower ground gallery hosts puppets inspired by Ukrainian Motanka and Polish ritual Topienie Marzanny, reflecting Olowska’s interest in animism. Concurrently, her Visual Persuasion exhibition at Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo and The Alphabet performance at The Serralves Foundation further expand her artistic presence.

Paulina Olowska
Squelchy Garden Mules and Mamunas
Nov 22, 2023 – Jan 6, 2024

5 Hanover Square, London

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