Goshka (Malgorzata) Bialek

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Goshka Bialek, 2025. Goshka Bialek.jpg
Goshka Bialek, 2025.

Goshka Bialek is a British-Polish sculptor, educator and researcher. She was born and educated in Poland, receiving M.Sc. in Economics, specialising in Economic Cybernetics and Computer Science from the University of Warsaw (1985). In 1991, she moved to the UK and received BA (Hons), MA and PhD degrees in Fine Art in Sculpture and Glass and Ceramics from the University of Sunderland. [1]

Contents

Her notable public sculptures include "Echo of the Past" (2002) which was displayed in the Neville Screen at Durham Cathedral, becoming the first artist since the 16th century allowed to do so. [2] The exhibition was covered in various publications and by the BBC. [3] [4] [5] In 2007, she was invited to 1st International Sculpture Symposium in Tehran and her sculpture “Reflection” is displayed in a public park in Tehran. [6] [7] In 2008, her sculpture and following exhibition “It’s My Place” was presented as part of the Edinburgh Festival. [8] [9] In 2013, her two sculptures “Ghost” and “Gnome” were exhibited at Durham Lumiere Festival of Light. [10] [11] In 2015 her installation “Crucifixion” was exhibited at the 6th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art Parallel program. [12]

Bialek was a Visiting Professor at S.G. Stroganov State Academy of Arts and Industry in Moscow (2014-2016), British School of Design in Moscow (2015-2016), at Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (2006-2011), Wrocław 2007 and Hong Kong 2008. [1]

Her art explores themes of truth and perception, encouraging viewers to engage with concepts of reality through both aesthetic and technological means. Bialek's practice spans a variety of materials, with a focus on transparent and translucent mediums. This allows her to explore the internal spaces of her sculptures, creating works that invite interaction with both form and light. [13]

She is experimental in her work, being unprepared to let the seeming limitations of a medium constrain what she can achieve. Thanks to her broad education, she can use technology as a medium in her research in sculpture. [14] This questioning approach, always searching for the underlying truth of what is possible technically, reflects her conceptual aesthetic of where “truth” lies. Her technological research was used by NASA [15] to develop new aerogel applications. Bialek's work in sculpture incorporates both traditional and innovative materials, such as semi-transparent concrete [16] and salvaged items. [17] Her practice integrates artistic expression with technological research, often creating installations that challenge viewers' perceptions.

Early life and education

Bialek was born in Warsaw, Poland, on 10 October 1958. She holds M.Sc. in Economics, specialising in Economic Cybernetics and Computer Science, from the University of Warsaw (1985), BA (Hons, 2000) and MA (2003) in Fine Art in Sculpture and Applied Art in Glass and Ceramics, both from the University of Sunderland. In 2017, she was awarded PhD by the University of Sunderland for her dissertation "Inner Space in Sculpture: the Use of Metal Inclusions." [18]

Personal life

Bialek lives and works in Durham (UK) but has lived in various cities, including Edinburgh, Warsaw, Moscow, and Durham. She is fluent in Polish, English and Russian. She is married to Professor Janusz Bialek (FIEEE).

Major works and exhibitions

Bialek’s exhibitions have been held internationally, showcasing both solo projects and participatory group shows. Notable exhibitions include:

Residencies

Publications

Lectures

Bialek has also contributed to discussions on glass as a fine art medium and has delivered lectures at many institutions worldwide, including:

Professional activities

Achievements

Solo exhibitions and presentations

August, 2024Exhibition and residencyCenter of Polish SculptureOrońsko, Poland
March, 2024Exhibition and residencyVarious CollegesKenya and Uganda
September, 2023PresentationFine Art Department, Tsinghua UniversityBeijing, China
September, 2023PresentationGlass and Ceramic Department, Tsinghua UniversityBeijing, China
September, 2023PresentationSchool of Fine Arts, Shandong UniversityJinan, China
June, 2022Presentations and residencyFine Art Department, Glass and Ceramic, Universidade De LisboaLisbon, Portugal
From 5 July 2019Permanent ExhibitionCrucifixion (Tolerance II), Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology,Moscow, Russia
September 2017ExhibitionInner Space in Sculpture II, Murray Edwards College, Cambridge UniversityCambridge, U.K.
June 2017ExhibitionInner Space in Sculpture I, Sunderland UniversitySunderland, U.K.
December 2015 – May 2019ExhibitionCrucifixion (Tolerance I), Skolkovo Institute of Science and TechnologyMoscow, Russia
October 2015ExhibitionCrucifixion

6th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art

Moscow, Russia
May 2015Presentation and workshopThe British School of DesignMoscow, Russia
April 2015PresentationStroganov Academy of ArtMoscow, Russia
October 2014PresentationIrkuck AcademyIrkuck, Russia
March 2014ExhibitionCrucifixion, Durham CastleDurham, U.K.
February & July 2013Exhibition and residencyCity of London AcademyLondon, U.K.
April 2012PresentationPontificia Universidad Catolica de ChileSantiago, Chile
May 2011 – February 2016ExhibitionBede’s WorldJarrow, U.K.
August 2011PresentationUniversidad de los AndesBogota, Colombia
21 June 2011PresentationAIR Salon at the BALTICGateshead, U.K.
February – March 2010PresentationWrocław Academy of Fine ArtsWroclaw, Poland
December 2008PresentationChinese University of Hong KongHong Kong
March 2008Exhibition and residencyIsleworth and Syon CollegeLondon, U.K.
October 2007ExhibitionAcademy of Fine ArtsKraków, Poland
2000 – 2010Annual exhibitionDurham Castle, Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
2003ExhibitionEcce homo I!, National Glass CentreSunderland, U.K.
From September 2003ExhibitionFrozen in time II, Durham Castle, Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
August 2002 – February 2006ExhibitionEcho of the Past, National Glass CentreSunderland, U.K.
June 2002 – 2003ExhibitionFlock IV, Durham Castle, Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
April 2002ExhibitionEcho of the Past, a sculpture upon the Neville Screen, Durham CathedralDurham, U.K.
February 2002ExhibitionLight-ning, British EmbassyReykjavik, Iceland

Joint exhibitions

September 2023Exhibition“National Icons”Exhibition, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society & SGS, Trades HouseGlasgow, Scotland
August–September 2022ExhibitionSummer Exhibition, the Scottish Glass SocietyGlasgow, Scotland
July–August 2022Exhibition192nd RHA Annual Exhibition, Royal Hibernian AcademyDublin, Ireland
November 2021ExhibitionNorthumberland Open Exhibition, Wooler ArtsU.K.
July 2017ExhibitionAssociation of Polish Artists, Sculpture SectionWarsaw, Poland
June – September 2016ExhibitionExhibition organized by the J.G. Stroganov Academy of ArtMoscow, Russia
April 2014ExhibitionExhibition organized by Sunderland University at Bede’s WorldJarrow, U.K.
February – March 2014ExhibitionExhibition of award-winning designs for the Ballet Dancers Monument competition, Galleria FretaWarsaw, Poland
October 2013ExhibitionAssociation of Polish Artists, SculptureWarsaw, Poland
August 2013ExhibitionGrow!, Royal Botanic GardenEdinburgh, U.K.
June – July 2013ExhibitionExhibition of award-winning designs for the Ballet Dancers Monument competition, Polish Ministry of CultureWarsaw, Poland
November 2012 – May 2013ExhibitionInternational exhibitions to support the Free Association of Syrian ExpatsWarsaw, Poland; Cairo, Egypt; Alexandria, Egypt; and Dubai.
September – October 2012ExhibitionPast shaped the Present, Art CenterWashington, U.K.
August – September 2012ExhibitionSculpture workshops and exhibition, Academy of Fine ArtsWarsaw, Poland
July – August 2012ExhibitionStourbridge International Festival, Gallery90 Plowden-ThompsonU.K.
March – April 2011ExhibitionA Journey, Bede’s WorldJarrow, U.K.
May 2009ExhibitionScar exhibition, Art SpaceEdinburgh, U.K.
May 2009ExhibitionShame Place, SaltmarketGlasgow, U.K.
April 2009ExhibitionOut of the BlueEdinburgh, U.K.
July – August 2008ExhibitionIt’s my Place I, Craigmillar Art SpaceEdinburgh, U.K.
July – August 2008ExhibitionRazem, Rocket Venues, Edinburgh Art FestivalEdinburgh, U.K.
November 2007ExhibitionThe Place, St. Patrick’s ChurchGlasgow, U.K.
February – March 2007ExhibitionThe First International Sculpture SymposiumTehran, Iran
September – October 2006ExhibitionDifferent ways to work with Concrete, an exhibition and International Conference, Fine Arts AcademyKrakow, Poland
April – May 2005ExhibitionGlimmerLeeds, U.K.
December 2003ExhibitionVetrospective, The Biscuit FactoryNewcastle upon Tyne, U.K.
June 2003ExhibitionCrook HallDurham, U.K.
March 2003ExhibitionBlast, Cork Street GalleryLondon, U.K.
June – Sep 2002ExhibitionNEWdirections, Shipley Art GalleryGateshead, U.K.
June – August 2002ExhibitionDiversity, National Glass CentreSunderland, U.K.
September – October 2001ExhibitionC-Through, The Chink in the WallNorth Lincolnshire, U.K.
2001 – 2003ExhibitionThe Hannah Peschar Sculpture GardenSurrey, U.K.
2000 – 2004ExhibitionAlison Breeze Gallery Art ApartmentKnaresborough, U.K.
August – October 2000ExhibitionAward Winners, National Glass CentreSunderland, U.K.
August – September 2000ExhibitionPhilips International Fine Art AuctioneersNewcastle, U.K.

Commissions

2019SculptureMummy, Professor G. R. Boys-Stones, donated to Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
2016InstallationCrucifixion, Skolkovo Institute of Science and TechnologyMoscow, Russia
2014InstallationThe Mechanism of Celebrity, City of London AcademyLondon, U.K.
2013InstallationLumiere, Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
2013SculptureUntitled, Hempel Metals LtdReading, U.K.
2012SculptureFrozen in Time, Durham Castle, Durham UniversityDurham, U.K.
2009InstallationFlock II, Consulate of the Republic of PolandEdinburgh, U.K.
2009InstallationFlock III, Shopping Centre Outlet Factory, LubonPoznan, Poland
2008InstallationThe Mechanism of Celebrity II, Craigmillar Art SpaceEdinburgh, U.K.
2008InstallationThe Mechanism of Celebrity I, Isleworth and Syon CollegeLondon, U.K.
2007SculptureReflection, Ministry of CultureTehran, Iran
2006SculptureHammock, Polish Concrete LtdKrakow, Poland
2002SculptureUntitled, Bishop Barrington SchoolBishop Auckland, U.K.
2002SculptureT-shirts, King James I Community CollegeBishop Auckland, U.K.
2001SculptureUntitled, Staindrop Comprehensive SchoolStaindrop, U.K.

Awards

2015WinnerWinner of the Creative Glass Guild AwardsU.K.
2013AwardAward for a design for the Ballet Dancer Monument competition, Foksal Gallery and the Association of Polish ArtistsWarsaw, Poland
2000ShortlistedThe Guardian Award, New DesignersU.K.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "About". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  2. ↑ ArtFacts. "Goshka Bialek | Artist". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  3. ↑ "Echo of the Past". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  4. ↑ "Goshka's altar image". The Sunderland Echo. 23 March 2002. p. 5.
  5. ↑ "Cathedral to display Virgin Mary glass art". The Northern Echo. 22 March 2002. p. 5.
  6. ↑ ArtFacts. "Reflection | Artwork". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  7. ↑ "tehran". www.aeneaswilder.co.uk. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  8. ↑ ArtFacts. "It's My Place | Artwork". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  9. ↑ ArtFacts. "Project 'Its' My Place' | Catalog". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  10. 1 2 "Echo of the Lumiere: Missing Lumiere Gnome sparks 'Tolerance' debate". Echo of the Lumiere. 16 April 2014. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  11. ↑ ArtFacts. "Echo of Lumiere | Artwork". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  12. 1 2 3 ArtFacts. "Crucifixion V | Artwork". ArtFacts. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  13. ↑ "Białek Goshka – Okręg Warszawski Związku Polskich Artystów Plastyków" (in Polish). 2025-06-09. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  14. ↑ "RESEARCH". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  15. 1 2 fa2admin. "Glass as a Fine Art Medium". Art History @HKU. Retrieved 2025-06-14.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  16. ↑ "2006". architekturabetonowa.pl. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  17. ↑ "Natura betonu - siedzisko" (PDF). Architektura.
  18. ↑ Goshka, Bialek (2017-10-11). "Inner space in sculpture: the use of metal inclusions in glass". sure.sunderland.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  19. ↑ "HOME". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  20. ↑ "It's My Place". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  21. ↑ "Wells Cathedral". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  22. ↑ "Oronsko2024". Goshka Bialek. Retrieved 2025-06-14.
  23. ↑ Bialek, Goshka (2022-01-17). "Glass as a Fine Art Medium: Brief History and the Role of Adriano Berengo as a Fine Art Glass Impresario". Arts. 11 (1): 19. doi: 10.3390/arts11010019 . ISSN   2076-0752.
  24. ↑ Kelly, Jessamy; Bialek, Goshka (2021-01-15). "Entrapment within Inner Space: The Development and Review of Other Materials as Intentional Inclusions within Glass as a Creative Artistic Practice". Arts. 10 (1): 5. doi: 10.3390/arts10010005 . ISSN   2076-0752.
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