EXHIBITION / Embodied Word

When: 26.06–08.11.2026

Opening: 26 czerwca (Friday), godz. 19.00 19.00

Artists: Karolina Balcer, Bettina Bereś, Iwona Demko, Zuza Dolega, Monika Drożyńska, Edyta Duduś, Nezaket Ekici, Sylvie Fleury, Alexandra Grant, Romana Hałat, Jenny Holzer, Elżbieta Jabłońska, Katarzyna Józefowicz, Anna Krenz, Barbara Kruger, Monika Mamzeta, Helena Minginowicz, Jessica Ostrowicz, Ewa Partum, Johanna Reich, Martyna Rzepecka, Jadwiga Sawicka, Karen Scheper, Jana Shostak, Joanna Sitarz, Irmina Staś, Nora Turato, Karolina Wiktor

Curators: Marta Smolińska, Natalia Cieślak
Coordinators: Paulina Brzuskiewicz-Kuhn, Aleksandra Wantuch
Visual identity: Katarzyna Ostrowska
Production: Wojciech Ruminski
Lighting: Mikołaj Makiłła

The Embodied Word exhibition, held at the Centre of Contemporary Art Znaki Czasu in Toruń, is an international exhibition featuring contemporary female artists who work with text and various forms of verbal expression, whilst going beyond the traditional understanding of the word as a mere sign. In Western philosophy, language is regarded as a tool subordinate to reason, truth, meaning or the absolute. Through their works, these artists challenge this tradition, as they deliberately do not rely on the rationalised and conceptual nature of language. Instead, they focus on language that is embodied and sensed, whilst at the same time deeply engaged. The works on display demonstrate that language is not detached from reality – on the contrary, it springs from the body, emotions and experience. Here, the word becomes an action: it can be a whisper, a manifesto, a cry. When combined with a variety of media – from textiles and embroidery, through neon signs and visual media, to video projections and interactive installations – it takes on a tangible quality and a powerful impact. The exhibition also highlights the feminist dimension of language, which becomes a tool for women to reclaim their voice and space. The artists also use it to comment on contemporary socio-political realities, emphasise their activist stance and challenge the oppressive structures of patriarchy.

The Embodied Word is a gathering of female artists from various countries, including global icons of socially engaged art such as Jenny Holzer and Barbara Kruger, whose works enter into dialogue with those of Polish artists, creating a transnational narrative about women’s experiences. Their statements take on various tones – ranging from the poetic and intimate to the critical and political – and resonate on different levels with the sensibilities of those who view them. The exhibition invites visitors to join in listening to a polyphonic, international choir of female artists who weave a narrative about language as a living force: one that acts, moves and transforms.

Honorary patronage: Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship.
Main Partner / Patron: Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodeship.
Co-funded by:
Fundusze Europejskie dla Kujaw i Pomorza
Ministry of Culture and National Heritage
Fundacja Współpracy Polsko-Niemieckiej
Event partner: ZAK – Zentrum für Aktuelle Kunst in Berlin.
Partners: PGE Energia Kultury – Patron of the CoCA’s Education Programme, TZMO SA, Sharp Europe, BMW Dynamic Motors sp. z o.o., Szeroka No.9, Filmowe Kujawy i Pomorze

Photo: Karolina Balcer, Oversharing, 2025, tufting, 73 × 65 cm