The Visteria Foundation proudly presents its latest exhibition, "Polish Modernism: A Struggle for Beauty," at Milan Design Week 2026. This captivating showcase, held on the 16th floor of Milan’s iconic Torre Velasca from April 20 to 26, delves into the inherent strength and innovative spirit of Polish design. Curated by the insightful duo Federica Sala and Anna Maga, the exhibition masterfully intertwines historical design achievements with contemporary creations, illuminating how Poland's rich and often tumultuous past fostered a distinctive modernist movement.
This exhibition is not merely a chronological display of design evolution; it is a profound conceptual exploration. The narrative is shaped by the scenography of Zofia Wyganowska Studio, which thoughtfully interacts with the Brutalist architecture of the Torre Velasca. The display features significant works from acclaimed Polish artists such as Władysław Strzemiński, Edward Krasiński, and Katarzyna Kobro. Additionally, it includes rare loaned items from the National Museum in Warsaw, spotlighting furniture from Jan Kurzątkowski and Bohdan Lachert, alongside Teresa Kruszewska’s famous Muszella chair.
A dedicated section of the exhibition highlights the "IWP (IID)_Design Repository_2.0" project, where modern designers reimagine classic pieces. This initiative takes archival icons, such as the 'meblościanka' (wall unit) and 'amerykanka' (convertible armchair), and transforms them into experimental prototypes. These reinterpretations demonstrate how modernist principles can be applied to current production standards, extending beyond simple reconstruction to embody the enduring logic of modernist thought.
The exhibition’s title draws inspiration from Irena Krzywicka’s 1948 writings, positing modernism not merely as a stylistic preference but as a powerful act of cultural resilience. For Poland, this movement represented a comprehensive effort to forge a national identity. Eschewing the conventional dichotomy of form and function, Polish designers embraced modernist principles to push creative and technical boundaries, aiming to benefit ordinary citizens and enhance daily life.
Under the leadership of founder Kataryna Jordan, the Visteria Foundation champions Polish design as a crucial "competence for the future." This perspective is deeply rooted in the legacy of the Institute of Industrial Design (IWP), established in 1950 by Wanda Telakowska. As one of Europe's oldest design institutions, the IWP operates on the fundamental belief that beauty is a universal right, not a luxury reserved for a few. This ethos continues to inspire and guide the foundation’s vision.
The curatorial approach for "Polish Modernism: A Struggle for Beauty" deliberately contrasts the rigorous functionalism of early modernism with later postmodern interpretations. This juxtaposition reveals a continuous return to modernist ideals as a dynamic response to societal and cultural shifts. For the foundation's president and the curators, a central question underpins the entire exhibition: in an age grappling with overproduction and climate crisis, what does it truly mean to be modern, and what are the essential needs of contemporary society?
Bridging historical periods, the exhibition also showcases newly commissioned works from notable designers including Tomek Rygalik, Maria Jeglińska-Adamczewska, Paweł Olszczyński, Igor Polasiak (Craftica Gallery), and Maja Ganszyniec. These artists have created pieces specifically for this event. Additionally, works by Mati Sipiora, Marek Bimer, Aleksandra Hyz, Monika Patuszyńska, and Małgorzata Markiewicz are featured, reflecting how modernist concepts continue to influence current design. Their contributions symbolize a contemporary understanding of the "struggle for beauty" as a pursuit for an improved quality of life amidst present-day uncertainties.
Following its showing at Milan Design Week, the exhibition is scheduled to move to the Visteria Foundation’s headquarters at the Gawroński Villa in Warsaw in September 2026, extending its reach and impact.