romantic brutalism: polish craft and design goes on view during milan design week

A Journey into Polish Craft and Design BY VISTERIA FOUNDATION

Romantic Brutalism by Visteria Foundation brings a selection of Polish craft and design pieces to Milan Design Week 2025. Curated by Federica Sala, the exhibition at Studio Penta, a private house and textile showroom, highlights the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, showcasing the role of materiality, form, and technique within this creative landscape. Underscoring the importance of themes relating to nature and post-nature, the curated selection of works examines how the historical influence of brutalism, romanticism, folk, and art deco continues to shape contemporary Polish design culture. Ahead of Milan Design Week, designboom traveled to Warsaw to visit participating designers and studios, and learn more about the exhibition’s theme.

Visteria Foundation brings a selection of Polish craft and design pieces to Milan Design Week 2025

ROMANTIC BRUTALISM AT MILAN DESIGN WEEK 2025

Recently launched by publisher and patron of arts, Katarzyna Jordan, Visteria Foundation presents its inaugural show, Romantic Brutalism, in Milan’s Viale di Porta Vercellina 11. Curator Federica Sala has arranged the exhibition in 14 rooms to create a structured yet fluid narrative. The layout facilitates thematic groupings, allowing visitors to engage with different aspects of Polish design. Folk traditions serve as a foundational theme, emphasizing their continued impact on contemporary practices. Nature, another central theme, is explored in relation to material choices and design philosophies.‘The main idea behind the exhibition was to give every visitor a clear understanding of Polish craft and design. Opening with an introductory section on Polish history, the exhibition will feature around 20 contemporary designers,’ Sala shares with designboom. Paradowski Studio’s Zuza Paradowska takes over the exhibition design. ‘The layout is structured as a journey with a scenographic approach that highlights the exhibition’s central themes,’ adds the curator.

The curatorial framework also considers the relationship between brutalist aesthetics and romanticism, two seemingly contrasting yet interconnected influences within Polish design. This duality is reflected in material choices such as glass, ceramic, wood, and steel. The presence of historical references within the exhibition further contextualizes contemporary works, linking them to past movements and traditions. The venue has been adapted for the exhibition, with its architectural features and material finishes complementing the curated works while reinforcing the connection between historical craftsmanship and modern design practices. The exhibition features selected artworks by designers Jan Ankiersztajn, Aleksander Oniszh, Anna Bera, Filomena Smoła, Katarzyna Harasym, Marek Bimer, Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz, Monika Patuszyńska, Zofia Chylak, and studios Formsophy, Giewont Studio, dérive studio, GRÔPK, SZKŁO Studio, Hasik Design Studio, and UAU Project. Learn more about each studio below. 

Federica Sala, curator (left) and Katarzyna Jordan (right), founder of Visteria Foundation

Jan Ankiersztajn

Based in Poznań, Poland, Jan Ankiersztajn specializes in furniture and sculptural objects that balance traditional craftsmanship with experimental techniques. A graduate of the Design Academy Eindhoven in Contextual Design, he explores the relationship between material constraints and creative expression. ‘The process I follow is casting the sheet metal and then assembling it from different pieces. The pieces, when welded together, form irregular geometries,’ explains the designer. ‘After that, all the filing of the welds is done by hand, to achieve this smooth shapes and continuity of material.’ His work, ranging from seating and tables to vessels, features a modern yet elemental aesthetic. The designer independently develops his projects, including a proprietary aluminum construction technique that challenges conventional fabrication methods. Ankiersztajn is represented by OBJEKT Gallery.

Jan Ankiersztajn’s work, ranging from seating and tables to vessels, features a modern yet elemental aesthetic | image by Michał Buczkowski-Przezdzik

using aluminum, Jan Ankiersztajn’s technique challenges conventional fabrication methods | image by Michał Buczkowski-Przezdzik

SZKŁO Studio

SZKŁO is a design studio founded by Aleksandra and Wojciech Zawistowski in 2022, dedicated to creating functional glass sculptures and collectible design objects. Hand-blown by Aleksandra Zawistowska and a team of craftsmen, each piece is unique, shaped through an experimental process that challenges traditional glassblowing techniques. Without the use of moulds, the resulting forms are spontaneous and organic, emphasizing the raw material’s natural qualities. SZKŁO explores the boundaries of functionality and materiality, transforming everyday rituals like eating and drinking into tactile experiences.

SZKŁO creates functional glass sculptures and collectible design objects

Formsophy

Formsophy is the artistic practice of Alicja Prussakowska and Jakub Kijowski. Fascinated with textures, materials, and the stories these elements convey, the creative duo mixes traditional and experimental techniques to create sculptural objects that juxtapose a primeval aesthetic with exquisite details. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity and allure of liquid aluminum, their casting process is as integral to the work as the final form itself. Defined by a style they call ‘romantic brutalism,’ every composition balances rawness with refinement, boldness with subtlety, reflecting the dynamic interplay between their individual sensibilities.

Formsophy mixes traditional and experimental techniques to create sculptural objects that juxtapose a primeval aesthetic

Formsophy draws inspiration from the fluidity and allure of liquid aluminum

Aleksander Oniszh

Designer Aleksander Oniszh’s work focuses on creating a dialogue between structure and craftsmanship, balancing precise, functional design with an appreciation for organic imperfections. Oniszh Studio integrates architecture, woodworking, and furniture design, emphasizing functionality and materiality. The projects range from architectural spaces to handcrafted furniture, where each piece evolves through an iterative process of review and refinement. Oniszh is part of NÓW.New Craft Poland, an association of contemporary Polish craftsmen.

Aleksander Oniszh’s practice integrates architecture, woodworking, and furniture design | image by Tomo Yarmush

Anna Bera

Anna Bera is a designer and sculptor specializing in functional art, with a focus on handcrafted wooden objects. Her work explores the relationship between humans and nature, considering biological, cultural, and ritualistic perspectives. Through sculptural furniture and utility pieces, she encourages interaction, allowing users to define their own meanings. Bera founded her Warsaw-based studio in 2014, where she combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. A graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznań, she is also a lecturer at the School of Form and a member of NÓW.New Craft Poland.

Anna Bera specializes in functional art, with a focus on handcrafted wooden objects | image by Wojciech Tubaja

Giewont Studio

Maciej Gąsienica Giewont, founder of Giewont Studio, specializes in woodturning and fine contemporary craft. Raised in Zakopane in a family with carpentry traditions, Gąsienica Giewont draws inspiration from the natural characteristics of wood, emphasizing its unique textures, knots, cracks, discoloration, and ring patterns. ‘I always use single pieces of wood for each object. After carving the pieces, I then water them and let them rest, allowing nature to shape the resulting form,’ the carpenter shares with designboom. His approach aligns with the wabi-sabi aesthetic, valuing authenticity and imperfection. Working primarily with locally sourced timber from trees that are cut, diseased, or scheduled for removal, he aims to extend the material’s life through thoughtful craftsmanship. Since 2009, he has worked in his own one-man studio in Warsaw.

Maciej Gąsienica Giewont draws inspiration from the natural characteristics of wood, emphasizing its unique textures

dérive studio

Dérive Studio’s practice mostly focuses on exploring the intersection of modular stainless steel systems and sustainable 3D printed materials, repurposing recycled plastic bottles, cornstarch, and sugarcane. Experimenting with unconventional materials like PLA mixed with coffee and other reclaimed elements, the studio creates adaptable structures, like lighting and furniture. ‘We are developing modular systems that can build different structures, so we mostly collaborate with architects and studios to build new stuff,’ share the designers. As part of the Commune creative collective, Dérive supports diverse design disciplines, emphasizing flexibility and sustainability in their approach. 

UAU Project

UAU Project is a Warsaw-based design studio founded by Justyna Fałdzińska and Miłosz Dąbrowski, graduates of the Industrial Design Faculty at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Arts. The studio focuses on exploring and experimenting with consumer-oriented 3D printing for home production. With a commitment to sustainability, the approach highlights 3D printing as an efficient method for creating accessible and environmentally responsible design. All products are developed using high-quality compostable or highly recyclable materials.

UAU Project focuses on exploring and experimenting with consumer-oriented 3D printing

UAU Project’s products are developed using high-quality compostable or highly recyclable materials

Filomena Smoła

Filomena Smoła is a designer working with glass, exploring its material properties through tactile and sensory experiences. One of the few independent female glass artists in Poland, she creates objects that invite interaction and mindfulness, emphasizing the transient nature of material things. Beyond craftsmanship, her work encourages users to engage with everyday objects in a more conscious and personal way. Smoła’s works are represented by OBJEKT Gallery.

Filomena Smoła works with glass, exploring its material properties through tactile and sensory experiences

Filomena Smoła’s objects invite interaction and mindfulness, emphasizing the transient nature of material things

GRÔPK

GRÔPK Studio, founded by Marcin Kuberna, explores the intersection of minimalist sculpture and ancient ceramic craftsmanship. Using the traditional coil-building technique, Kuberna creates vases, vessels, and decorative objects that emphasize raw, organic forms. His work celebrates imperfections, drawing inspiration from nature, Neolithic artifacts, and the wabi-sabi philosophy. ‘I am inspired by the first art pieces that I encountered at a museum. I always go back to those archeological objects found near the village where I was born,’ Kuberna tells designboom. Each piece is carefully hand-formed over hours, highlighting the tactile qualities of clay and the traces of the maker’s hand. Designed in a restrained palette of earthy tones, red, ochre, beige, black, and white, GRÔPK ceramics reflect a deep respect for materiality and slow, intentional craftsmanship.

Marcin Kuberna explores the intersection of minimalist sculpture and ancient ceramic craftsmanship | image by Mood Authors

Marek Bimer

Marek Bimer is a versatile designer, artist, and sculptor based in Warsaw, where he lives and creates in his self-designed studio-apartment. Fascinated by natural processes within materials, he values minimalism and seeks synthetic organic forms that allow for creative freedom. Bimer employs abstraction and symbolism in his sculptures and graphic works. He experiments with materials, allowing nature to shape his pieces through exposure to the elements. His atmospheric lighting sculptures blur the line between art and function. ‘Bimer creations are not just lamps, they are unique light sculptures entirely made by hand. For me, art merges with life itself, with nature, rain, snow, and so I’m interested in highlighting the light sculptures’ changes through time and the patina that they adopt,’ shares the artist.

Marek Bimer is fascinated by natural processes within materials, he values minimalism and seeks synthetic organic forms

Marek Bimer’s atmospheric lighting sculptures blur the line between art and function

Zofia Chylak

Zofia Chylak is the founder and creative director of CHYLAK, a Warsaw-based brand specializing in high-quality leather bags and accessories. The brand is known for its meticulous craftsmanship, using Italian-sourced materials and Polish production. CHYLAK introduced a footwear collection, handcrafted in a small, family-owned workshop in Italy. For Milan Design Week, the designer showcases a series of traditional Polish lace garments, hand-knitted by local artisans.

Zofia Chylak specializes in high-quality leather bags and accessories | image by Ina Lekiewicz Levy

Zofia Chylak showcases a series of traditional Polish lace garments, hand-knitted by local artisans | image by Ina Lekiewicz Levy

Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz

Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz is a ceramic artist whose work reflects a deep connection with nature, translating moments of stillness and emotion into material form. Exploring the boundaries of ceramics, she experiments with structures, textures, and unexpected material combinations, allowing spontaneity to shape her process. Inspired by organic forms found in nature, her works embody a balance between control and chance. Since 2021, she has been a member of the NÓW.New Craft Poland, which unites leading Polish craft studios. She lives and works in Kęty, Poland.

Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz’s work reflects a deep connection with nature, translating moments of stillness

Monika Patuszyńska

Monika Patuszyńska is a ceramic artist and curator known for incorporating abandoned spaces and unconventional techniques into her practice. Patuszyńska is a member of the International Academy of Ceramics. Her works are deeply influenced by the passage of time. Passionate about porcelain, she continuously challenges the material’s possibilities, blending history with contemporary expression.

ceramic artist Monika Patuszyńska incorporates unconventional techniques into her practice | image by Tomo Yarmush

Hasik Design

Founded by Grzegorz Hasik and Tomasz Krzyżanowski, Hasik Studio is a Warsaw-based design studio specializing in unique, handmade furniture, lighting, and interior decoration and design. With a deep appreciation for natural materials, the creative duo utilizes wood, stone, and glass to craft objects that engage the senses and bring a sense of tranquility. Their approach to interiors balances historical elements with contemporary aesthetics. ‘All our creations are based on archetypal forms—circles, rectangles, and simple connections. We deeply appreciate the natural beauty of wood, stone, glass, and the patina that metals develop over time,’ comment the designers.

Hasik Studio specializes in unique, handmade furniture, lighting, and interior decoration

Hasik Studio’s creative duo mostly utilizes wood, stone, and glass

Katarzyna Harasym

Katarzyna Harasym is a glass artist and graduate of the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, where she studied under Professors Małgorzata Dajewska and Zbigniew Horbowy. Gaining experience in renowned glass studios, she developed a deep connection with her craft. Her preferred technique is working with a gas burner, often combining it with pâte de verre. Harasym’s unique glass vases appear almost fluid, merging art, sculpture, and function. Based in Wrocław, the designer creates in her studio Przezroczysta, and shares her expertise by teaching courses in flame work and fusing.

Katarzyna Harasym works with a gas burner, often combining it with pâte de verre

project info:

name: Romantic Brutalism. A Journey into Polish Craft and Design

organizer: Visteria Foundation | @visteria.foundation

curator: Federica Sala | @lafedesss

exhibition designer: Paradowski Studio – Zuza Paradowska | @paradowskistudio

designers: Aleksander Oniszh | @oniszh, Anna Bera | @annabera_, dérive studio | @____derive, Filomena Smoła | @filomenasmola, Formsophy | @formsophy, Giewont Studio – Maciej Gąsienica Giewont | @giewont_studio, GRÔPK – Marcin Kuberna | @gropk.ceramics, Hasik Design Studio | @hasik_design, Jan Ankiersztajn | @janankiersztajn, Katarzyna Harasym | @harasymkaska, Marek Bimer | @marekbimer, Monika Dąbrowska-Picewicz | @monika.dabrowska.picewicz, Monika Patuszyńska | @monika_patuszynska, SZKŁO Studio – Aleksandra Zawistowska | @szklo.studio, UAU Project | @uauproject, Zofia Chylak | @chylak.bags

dates: April 7 – 13 2025
location: Viale di Porta Vercellina 11, Milano