Jagoda Kwiatkowska
Visual Artist based in Warsaw (Poland), born in 1991, Jelenia Góra (Poland).
Member of Kolektyw Łaski. Graduate of Miroslaw Balka Studio of Spatial Activities (2018) and Grzegorz Kowalski Audiovisual Studio (2016) at Media Art Faculty of the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw and Knowledge about Culture at Warsaw University (2016).
Her projects oscillate around ecology, mental health, memory and identity. Together with Julia Golachowska and Anna Shimomura, I have been creating the Kolektyw Łaski for five years. Community, solidarity and initiative are not only the topic, but also an inseparable part of the process of creating them.
About the project Warm words
Mental health is crucial for proper functioning, especially in times of crisis—whether it's war, climate change, or personal heartbreak. In such challenging times, people need support and psychological protection. Beyond professional methods, self-help tools can be invaluable, so we can profound emotional support, as a society and artist, by integrating performative and sensory experiences.
In this project, Jagoda aims to utilize the ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) technique by whispering affirmations that address dealing with a dying planet, escaping wars, capitalism, loss, or heartbreaks.
ASMR, characterized by soothing auditory stimuli like whispers, taps, and 8D sounds, creates a sense of grounding and bodily connection. These sensory experiences stimulate the sympathetic and limbic nervous systems, helping to relax, reduce cortisol levels, and relieve stress - it can evoke a gentle euphoria, often described as a tingling sensation that begins on the scalp and moves down the spine, fostering a deep state of relaxation and emotional comfort.
During the residency, she wants to dedicate time to researching these crises, focusing on finding positive affirmations, and do auditions/performances.
The work will be a sound performance where participants lie on the ground, listen, and meditate. All auditions will be created using various natural elements (leaves, combs, textiles, stones, sticks, sand), which not only produce rich, tactile sounds but also evoke a connection to the earth and natural world. This multisensory approach enhances the immersive experience, making the participants feel more grounded and present. Group meditation has been shown to enhance feelings of connectedness and reduce feelings of isolation, which are often exacerbated in times of crisis.
Moreover, the performative aspect of the installation emphasizes the importance of presence and intentionality in healing practices. The act of listening becomes a ritualistic practice, encouraging participants to engage mindfully with their emotions and the sounds around them. This mindful engagement can lead to greater emotional awareness and resilience.
This project is supported by the instrument RRF and Czech National recovery plan as of Next Generation EU program, Call No. 0315/2023 - Development of Competences: Projects of International Artistic and Professional Cooperation in the Czech Republic II.
This project of residences was financially supported as part of the project "Pomíjivé rezidence" by the South Moravian Region.
The project is implemented thanks to financial support within the year-long project "CO.LABS_pomíjivost" by the City of Brno.
