Polish Institute Berlin Presents “The Pulse of the Oder” Discussion Program
Polish Institute Berlin hosted exhibition talk on art and ecology
February 13th, 2026
On 23 February 2026, the Polish Institute Berlin hosted a discussion event as part of the exhibition “The Pulse of the Oder: Between Art, Ecology and Activism.” The exhibition invites audiences to view the Oder River from a renewed perspective—not solely as a political border between Poland and Germany, but as a living and sensitive organism. It raises the question of how art, activism, and ecological engagement can be interconnected to highlight the significance and vulnerability of rivers.
During the accompanying discussion, experts and artists reflected on the role of art within the environmental movement and explored ways to foster ecological awareness through creative approaches. The participants shared their experiences, presented their projects, and outlined their visions for a future in which people, rivers, and ecosystems remain closely interconnected.
Among the speakers was Marta Smolińska, art historian and curator specializing in contemporary art and ecological projects, whose research focuses on the intersections of art, environmental awareness, and social engagement. Tom Kretschmer, photographer and filmmaker, presented his work centered on both the microscopic and monumental life cycles of river landscapes, combining contemplative aesthetics with ecological sensitivity.
Peter Torkler, environmental activist and project leader at Rewilding Oder Delta, an initiative dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Oder estuary region, outlined efforts to rehabilitate threatened ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and transform the river into a vibrant, self-regulating habitat.
The event took place at the Polish Institute Berlin, Burgstr. 27, 10178 Berlin, and formed part of the broader exhibition program dedicated to fostering dialogue at the intersection of art, ecology, and civic engagement.
