Something in the air

A few months ago, when artist Joanna Rajkowska - known for her controversial palm-tree project at Warsaw's Rondo de Gaulle'a - announced her "Dotleniacz" ("Oxygenation") project, many were pessimistic about its future. The artist, who disliked the cold atmosphere of Warsaw's pl. Grzybowski, wanted to initiate an open dialog between the Varsovians residing and working in this area by creating a small park featuring a lake with an ozonization system.

"Every day hundreds of people pass this square and they don't talk to each other," Joanna Rajkowska said. "There is so much tension here and I sensed this place needed some fresh air."

Dotleniacz is meant to integrate the art, architecture and citizens of Warsaw. "I chose the language of urban art because there are no limits here. Everyone passing the square becomes part of the project and interprets it in his or her own way," she added.

Dotleniacz, which was meant to last only two months, will remain on pl. Grzybowski due to massive support from Warsaw's inhabitants. As a result, City Hall will not be able to erect a monument to the victims of the Katyn massacre, which it had planned for the square.

"It is amazing how this project in such a short time united Varsovians, who finally felt that this is their city and they have the right to decide how it will look," says Anna Ciałowicz, a journalist working nearby.

Dotleniacz is one of the rare examples of an art project founded by private investors, without the financial support of state institutions. "Private sponsorship is the driving force behind public art abroad, but in Poland it is still unpopular," comments Kasha Bittner, a curator and art critic.