Summary of Iwona Tamborska’s 3 exhibitions as part of the “Rock, Paper, Scissors” project by Jaga Hupało, Mountains of Literature 2026

“Mountains of Literature” Festival 2026, Olga Tokarczuk Foundation https://fundacjaolgitokarczuk.org/en/aktualnosci/mountains-of-literature-festival/

Thanks to Jaga Hupało’s invitation to participate in her “Rock Paper Scissors” project, I had the honor of presenting my work (as a representative of the “Rock” section) in three locations during the 2026 “Mountains of Literature” Festival. The festival is incredibly rich and expansive, encompassing numerous events taking place simultaneously in many locations across Lower Silesia in Poland.My participation was just a drop in the ocean, but it was also a great joy and honor for me.

These 3 exhibitions in 3 locations took place over 3 days. It was a very intense time, requiring me to be perfectly prepared for every situation, act quickly, and demonstrate great mental and physical resilience. Each time, I entered a space I had never seen before, and I never fully knew what awaited me. Therefore, I dedicated the time leading up to the exhibition to building a system of portable displays with an independent lighting system adapted to display silver jewelry in its true color. As usual, I traveled with photographs resembling works by Renaissance masters by Margo Skwara https://www.margoskwara.com/

Now I invite you to look through the photos and videos from these three exhibitions, because each one brought with it a completely different aesthetic context, a completely different set of accompanying events and charming surprises.

Day 1

14 July 2026, Opolnica, Poland – “The Refuge of Art” (“Ostoja Sztuki”) Jaga Hupało’s 

My first exhibition took place at Jaga Hupało’s “The Refuge of Art”/”Ostoja Sztuki” in Opolnica, Poland. Just being in this space was a feast for the senses, as Jaga herself had built the place with her hands, heart, and imagination. Consequently, amidst the natural greenery, with its almost architectural shapes, rose sculptures, glass conservatories, wooden piers, old brick buildings filled with paintings and artistic installations, and this beautiful black fabric tent, allowing for coexistence amidst nature- which became an element of art. It became my exhibition space because of the TABLE. And this table, made of the breathtaking root of a huge tree and a pane of glass, created the impression of an altar. On it, I presented my beloved silver children.

And one of these extraordinary guests was one of the most outstanding contemporary writers, winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Literature and the prestigious Man Booker International Prize 2018 – Olga Tokarczuk.

I’m surprised and delighted, because I didn’t expect to encounter such warm and engaging interest from Ms. Tokarczuk in the stories about my artworks. I know how many people were waiting for her, I know that everyone wanted at least a little of her attention, so I’m incredibly grateful for this meeting and for the time she dedicated to me. Below are some photos from our meeting, which also feature Jaga Hupało and Monika Osiecka, among others. I also thank you all immensely for your kindness and mindfulness.

During this presentation of Jaga Hupało’s “Rock Paper Scissors” project, my exhibition also premiered the work “Sub Rosa.” To fully understand it, it’s essential to connect the brooch’s history with Leonardo da Vinci’s painting “The Last Supper.” That’s why I brought the painting noticeable in the photo. It’s my interpretation, inspired by Leonardo’s masterpiece, and I’ve been working on for two years now.

“Sub rosa” is a Latin expression meaning secret, confidentiality. The rose itself is an ancient symbol of secrecy. The concept also appears in Dan Brown’s novel “The Da Vinci Code,” where it signified sacred femininity and the “great secret.” This secret was the love between Jesus and Mary Magdalene and the fact that she was supposed to be pregnant. According to the book’s author, da Vinci deliberately placed Mary Magdalene next to Jesus in the painting “The Last Supper,” not St. John—subtly depicting their love and the mystery of this great union.

The silver rose brooch alludes to this very secret of hidden love. At first glance, it appears to be just a beautiful flower sculpture, drawing the eye to the center, where the rubies are located. But these are meant to distract from the true mystery—the secret love between one of the petals and one of the rose’s leaves, which are kissing. To learn more about this work, please visit the link. https://rekamistworzone.com/en/produkt/secret-love-brooch/

At Jaga Hupało’s “Ostoja Sztuki” (Art Refuge), this installation had a beautiful form of exhibition, as this fantastic table made of tree roots belonged to Jaga herself. It gave the work “Sub Rosa” an almost sacred character in the company of my painting.

One of the sculptures I created especially for this exhibition is this clay female silhouette, finished with crystals. It is dedicated to the “Heart of Medusa” necklace. The necklace tells the story of a woman who, in love, gives her heart and trusts that the recipient will take care of her rainbow spark. This rainbow spark is symbolized by the opal in the heart of the titular Medusa. The necklace itself is composed to form a rib cage made of crystal ribs and a sternum, which is visible when placed on a sculpture (or a human body). In this case, Medusa’s heart is also the heart of the woman wearing the necklace. I encourage those interested to learn more about the necklace’s history here https://rekamistworzone.com/en/produkt/the-heart-of-medusa/  

Day 2

15 July 2026 – Ludwikowice Kłodzkie, Poland, “Ludwikowice Gallery”

“An exhibition of Iwona Tamborska’s goldsmithing art as part of Jaga Hupało’s “Rock Paper Scissors” project, combined with a ballet performance by Ines Peryt dancing in silver jewelry (necklace and hairpin) by Iwona Tamborska and a paper tutu by Anna Peryt. The exhibition took place at the “Ludwikowice Gallery” in Ludwikowice Kłodzkie, Poland, on July 15, 2026, as one of the events of the “Mountains of Literature” Festival of the Olga Tokarczuk Foundation.”