Poland's Bogna Burska and Daniel Kotowski on Their 2026 Venice Biennale Pavilion

Bogna Burska and Daniel Kotowski, representing Poland at the 61st Venice Biennale (9 May–22 November 2026), discuss their pavilion in the Giardini. Their project incorporates the Choir in Motion, a phonic/sign-language ensemble of hearing and Deaf people; explores reversed roles underwater; and researches whale communication. Inspired by the concept of 'Deaf Gain', they treat deafness as identity and culture. Kotowski, who is Deaf, notes that English dominates the Biennale but International Sign offers a non-hierarchical alternative. Burska questions whether the Biennale can amplify quiet, everyday realities, while Kotowski wonders who the event is truly for. They see national pavilions as a tradition that can host stories counter to national canons. Kotowski cites 19th-century Deaf painter Feliks Pęczarski from the National Museum in Warsaw as a personal inspiration. The project, titled 'Liquid Tongues', involves collaboration with Zachęta – National Gallery of Art, Poland, and a large team including an architect and designer. Burska doubts art can change the world but notes humpback songs saved them from humans; Kotowski believes art's structures can melt to give marginalized voices a platform.