Creatives Came Together to Explore Design Innovation at COMUNE in Warsaw
This October, Warsaw played host to a unique design exhibition, with more than 22 independent makers and dynamic design brands from Poland and beyond showcased at the HOP office building. Attendees saw both familiar names, including Bimer, Jurek, Keller, and Szostak, and hidden gems who thrived on the experimental.
Behind the Exhibition: COMUNE
Monika Szyca-Thomas from The Good Living & Co., and her associates Monika Kolasa and Jakub Szkaradek from the Lexavala brand, had initiated Comune – Objects in Motion. This venture was established to spotlight standout Polish designs to architects and the broader public. Following a successful exhibition in Gdańsk, the trio then invited enthusiasts to explore an exceptional design space in Warsaw, in collaboration with Adorno, Vogue Living, Lupo, 2INCREATIVES, HOP, Syrena Real Estate, and Decoma.
Setting the Scene in Warsaw
“Space is a Place” took over an office building from the ’90s in Wola. The event featured over 20 brands handpicked for their innovation. Beyond recognized names like Bimer and Jurek, many exhibitors were yet to be widely discovered. These talents often defied mainstream norms, embracing a bold, uncompromising ethos.
Monika Kolasa remarked on the generous event space provided by Hop and Syrena Real Estate, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. Jakub Szkaradek’s vision was to spotlight Eastern Europe’s diverse artists, both established and emerging.
Featured Designers & Brands
Among the brands was Noom Home from Ukraine. Notably, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, they maintained production in factories near Kyiv. They also recently participated in the prestigious London Design Biennale.
Szyca-Thomas wished to debunk the myth that design is exclusively elite. The event underscored that stellar design appeals to all, seamlessly integrating into everyday life.
Attendees anticipated pieces that melded art with industrial design. Adorno highlights included the Sedia Tonda by Edoardo Lietti, Moon Lamps by Danish Anne Nowak, and a new release of ceramic wall panels by award-winning lamp designer Pani Jurek.
Brands like Formsophy, Grôpk, and Nów illustrated creative mastery over materials, while collectives like NOW presented material mastery from Cyryl Zakrzewski, REST textile studio, and Paweł Jasiewicz.
Other makers including Hasik Design, Mateusz Sipiora, and Szymon Keller presented avant-garde designs. A special mention went to The Collective Matter Studio, which explored the realm of collectible design, a concept still nascent in Poland.
Engage and Interact
The exhibition encouraged an informal ambiance, free of charge. Scheduled discussion panels fostered dialogues, while the Lupo restaurant, situated on the ground floor, promised to be a hub of activity.
Panel Discussions
Topics of the panel discussions were perfectly curated around the topic of small-scale production and collectible design, inviting for a dialogue about not only about design but also about establishing a name.
- “How to Build a Story Around a Small Brand”
- “An Interior Designer Creates a Product and Then Establishes a Brand. What Next?”
- “When Does Design Become a Collector’s Item?”
As Adorno continues the quest to support independent makers and small brands, it is a delight to see how independent makers and small businesses come together to support each other and grow together. Soon we will announce new collaborations and more works from COMUNE, but until then, delve into these available pieces that were exhibited.
