Bogna Burska and Daniel Kotowski, representing Poland at the 61st Venice Biennale, plan to exhibit a project inspired by the Choir in Motion (a phonic/sign-language ensemble of hearing and Deaf people), underwater role reversals, and whale communication. Their work explores alternate forms of communication, Deaf Gain, and the retrieval of voices—both human and non-human—aligning with the Biennale's theme "In Minor Keys." The Polish pavilion is located in the Giardini.
This interview matters because it highlights how national pavilions can challenge traditional narratives and linguistic hierarchies, especially amid rising nationalism. Burska and Kotowski question who the Biennale is really for, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in communication and accessibility. Their focus on Deaf culture and non-phonic languages brings a vital, underrepresented perspective to one of the world's most prestigious art events.