In the heart of Warsaw, within the Supreme Court, stands an extraordinary sculpture. Its shape evokes the image of a billowing flag, and as light falls upon it, it seems to quiver like fabric moved by the wind. However, this is not just a statue of a flag—it is, above all, a symbol of Poland’s 20 years in the European Union, captured in glass. The author of this remarkable installation is Edyta Barańska, a world-class glass artist and the founder of Barańska Design.
A Tribute to Poland’s 20 Years in the EU
In 2024, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union and the 20th anniversary of the EU flag, the Supreme Court in Warsaw decided to mark these events with a glass sculpture.
“I received an inquiry from the Court asking if I would like to participate in the competition. As I later found out, five artists specializing in glasswork were invited. My joy was immense when I learned that I was the one selected,” says Edyta Barańska.
Despite her enthusiasm, the artist knew that this would not be an easy task. Creating something that conveys the lightness of a fluttering fabric using a material as rigid and unpredictable as glass was a challenge on many levels. Barańska sought inspiration in movement—she took photos of fabric in the wind, analyzed its patterns, and sketched forms. She knew she wanted to capture the precise moment when the flag is lifted yet remains dynamic.
“It is difficult to create something airy from a material that is so hard. That’s why I was searching for a texture and form that would symbolically reference a waving fabric. I took photos of cloth moving in the wind and sketched its natural flow. I also knew that the entire piece had to remain within a certain weight limit, so I had to find a solution that would allow me to create a three-dimensional form while keeping it ‘light’,” she explains.
A Deeper Symbolism
However, the symbolism of the sculpture had to go even deeper. The Supreme Court—the place where it was to be installed—is a space where people’s fates are decided every day. Justice, law, and providence were elements the artist wanted to weave into her composition. That’s when the key idea was born: a woman hidden within the glass, her silhouette “drawn” by the surrounding space and architectural backdrop. This way, Barańska combined two motifs—the symbol of the flag and the female figure, which could represent justice, wisdom, or a protective presence.
“The location itself dictated the theme—court, justice, and providence, which has a feminine aspect. As I searched for a way to connect these two elements, I realized that empty space can also function as a spatial form. I decided to use the Supreme Court’s majestic building as a background. I embedded a female figure into the symbolic glass flag, ‘drawn’ by the space and architectural surroundings,” she describes. “Glass has this wonderful quality of being transparent and playing beautifully with light. The sculpture stands in front of a large window, which makes it look different by day and night,” she adds.
A Technical and Logistical Challenge
The execution of the project was a major challenge. The large glass panels required precise assembly, and transporting the sculpture demanded flawless logistics. Anyone who has worked with glass knows how unpredictable it can be—it can crack unexpectedly and is difficult to control. However, with years of experience and a trusted team, Edyta Barańska overcame these obstacles. When the sculpture arrived safely and was installed in just one day, she breathed a sigh of relief.
“Once the design was approved, the realization process was quite complex due to the large size of the glass panels, the need to develop a secure mounting system, and a custom base. Fortunately, I am surrounded by amazing people—my employees and subcontractors, with whom I have worked for years and whom I can always rely on in moments of total mobilization,” recalls Edyta Barańska. “I was most concerned about transportation and installation. Luckily, everything arrived safely, and the installation team completed the work in just one day,” she adds with a smile.
A Sculpture That Breathes with Light
The final result? Breathtaking. During the day, the sculpture reflects sunlight, blending seamlessly with its surroundings, while at night, it takes on a new, almost magical appearance. Visitors to the monumental Supreme Court building in Warsaw can see it firsthand. Positioned at the entrance, in the building’s lobby, the sculpture not only commemorates Poland’s 20 years in the European Union but also symbolizes the fusion of art, justice, and European values in public space. With this piece, Poland’s recent history has taken on a tangible form—an artistic manifesto of the ideals that shape our shared European identity.
About the Artist
Edyta Barańska, a graduate of the Academy of Fine Arts in Wrocław, has been running her studio for over 20 years, creating unique chandeliers, artistic installations, monuments, and fountains. Her works adorn the interiors of renowned five-star hotels such as Hilton, Sheraton, and Marriott, as well as private residences worldwide—from New York to Dubai.
