International Forum on Artistic Research
17th Conference of the Society for Artistic Research (SAR)
Submission Number: 86
Submission ID: 129
Submission UUID: 8c831dc2-c193-41c6-88df-2b8fa14e42be

Created: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 - 11:07
Completed: Tue, 17 Feb 2026 - 13:02
Changed: Wed, 13 May 2026 - 08:12

Remote IP address: 80.68.234.179
Submitted by: Anonymous
Language: English

Is draft: No
Current page: webform_confirmation
Given name Kinga
Surname Bartniak-Król
Email k.bartniak@asp.wroc.pl
I understand that by submitting this form, I consent to the use of my data for the purposes of the 2026 Forum on Artistic Research'. Yes
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Title Hic sunt equi
Format Poster presentation
Main language English
Abstract In my artistic practice, I research the commodification of freedom of non-human beings. I consider them minorities, even though they often outnumber humans and yet remain unheard because they do not speak a language we recognise. What we offer them often does not correspond to their needs: claustrophobic stables, apartments, offices, dust, and a lack of sunlight. Their needs are often in conflict with human needs, yet they are forced to live within our society and serve multiple purposes. They have no choice.

Processes of minorisation and commodification can affect not only human groups, but also plants, animals, and even emotions. In my PhD research, I focused on plants as victims of human well-being. Their greenery improves office environments, yet they are easily forgotten and left without care, as became visible during the pandemic months.

Recently, I began a new research project on another non-human minority: horses. I focus on two groups - war horses and racing horses. Eohippus (eōs, “dawn” and hippos, “horse”), an early ancestor of the modern horse, resembled a rat, had toes instead of hooves, and was initially classified by scientists as a member of the shrew family. The strength, speed, and elegance of the modern horse have contributed to its commodification. Would its original form have been safer in its relationship with humans?

Attached image: drawing, title "Koniec Świtu".
Image K_Bartniak_Koniec_Switu.jpg
Short biographies of the presenter(s)
  • Kinga Bartniak, PhD, is a visual artist and researcher based in Wrocław, Poland. She graduated from the Eugeniusz Geppert Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław and also studied at the Vilnius Academy of Arts.
    She has participated in numerous exhibitions, projects, and residencies in Poland and internationally. Working across various media - video art, textiles - her practice is grounded in artistic research. At the same time, she explores new forms and technologies, learning skills and techniques required by the subject, such as Braille writing, lens-based printing, photogrammetry, and NeRF.
Previous presentations or iterations of the research
Additional information
Spatial and technical requirements Poster presentation won't exceed the formal requirements.
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