Storm Veil - Gottlob's Tale

Textile paint on fabric (500cm x 80cm), performance art

The Storm Veil was created during a week-long art residency in the picturesque Janowickie Mountains in southwestern Poland. Eight artists transformed their ideas into artworks responding to the theme of 'GOTTLOB,' followed by a joint art exhibition held in the neo-Gothic Karpniki Castle on the 28th of August 2024.

Context

Artists in residence had the opportunity to create new works that reflect the impact of nature on human life and our efforts to understand and harmonise with these forces. This theme was inspired by a tragic event in 1745, when Pastor Gottlob Adolph, during a mass in Jelenia Góra, called for spiritual transformation, using the metaphor of lightning as a tool of God. Unexpectedly, his words became prophetic when lightning struck the church, killing him in the pulpit.

The event inspired eight artists working in various art mediums: sculpture, painting, drawing, photography, installation and performance.

The Metaphor of Lightning

The concept of a lightning, in many cultures and myths, is often seen as a manifestation of divine power attributed to a deity, typically portrayed through a male perspective. Gottlob’s tale was historically interpreted as a prophecy from God, but it can also be seen as an act of Nature, represented as a female force.

The Storm Veil symbolises the mystical and supernatural powers of Mother Nature, and represents the layers of feminine power and beauty that are often concealed. Its interweaving pattern lacks hierarchy and illustrates the balance of power and tension between opposing forces.

Performance

The GOTTLOB Art Residency concluded with an exhibition held in the neo-Gothic Karpniki Castle. The venue itself is not a traditional exhibition space, and its rich details required the artworks to be thoughtfully positioned to harmonise with the surrounding environment. It became clear that the veil would be most effective as a performative artwork, enabling viewers to engage more deeply with it and its meanings. Through performance art, I explored the idea of the artist becoming a part of the exhibition, acting as an extension of the artwork.

Special thanks to the organisers of GOTTLOB Art Residency: Rafał Piotr Solski (John Weston Group, Business Aperitivo); Roland Grabkowski (curator and artist, Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław); Malina Nicholson (Business Aperitivo, Karpniki Castle); Katarzyna Białousz (Business Aperitivo). Photographs by Agata Kosiak, Level8020 and Zamek Karpniki.