exhibition

The four artists awarded in the OP_YOUNG mentoring program – Kasia Banasiak, Aleksandra Błach, Aida Małgorzata Duda, and Angelika Stefaniak – will present their works at a joint exhibition titled Do What You Wish, opening at OP ENHEIM in Wrocław on April 10, 2025.

The title of the exhibition refers to the work of Michael Ende, author of iconic books such as The Neverending Story and the surreal short story collection Spiegel im Spiegel. Much like in Ende’s literary worlds, the artists explore themes of imagination, meaning-seeking, and transcending the boundaries of reality.

In the spirit of surrealism, which strongly influenced the German writer, each of the artists interprets this philosophy in her own way, creating unique, visionary worlds filled with symbols and reinterpretations of real objects and motifs known from Ende’s stories.

The exhibition offers a platform to showcase the latest works of the OP_YOUNG project participants, who experiment with diverse media – from sculpture and ceramics to installation and drawing. Each artist explores the themes of creative freedom, dreams, and limitless possibilities in her own unique way. 

A direct reference to The Neverending Story appears in the exhibition’s title, which echoes the inscription on the Auryn medallion: “Do what you wish” (German: Tu was du willst). Though it may seem like an invitation to unrestricted action, in the context of this exhibition, it takes on a deeper meaning – an encouragement to act with authenticity and responsibility. The exhibition reflects this idea, presenting contemporary art as a space of creative freedom, where imagination has the power to shape reality and address the challenges of the modern world.

Since 2020, the OP_YOUNG program has been run by OP ENHEIM to support the local artistic community and foster critical artistic discourse in Poland. The project is supported by the patronage of the Berlin law and notary office GENTZ and the Self-Government of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The laureates of the latest edition of OP_YOUNG are Aida Małgorzata Duda and Angelika Stefaniak, while Katarzyna Banasiak and Aleksandra Błach received honorable mentions.