Against a backdrop of industrial decay, a lone cow stands still, staring directly at the viewer with a calm yet poignant presence. The field, which should have been filled with fresh grass and blooming flowers, has been overtaken by crumbling industrial ruins and polluted air, reflecting humanity’s exploitation of nature. Podgórski uses this scene to critique how deeply our relationship with food has become commercialized and capitalized, where the pursuit of profit has eclipsed even the fundamental importance of health, nutrition, and life itself.

The cow, silent and unmoving, exudes a quiet pressure on the viewer, compelling them to confront the uncomfortable question: Where are we going as humanity? This animal, once a symbol of vitality and sustenance, now stands as a witness to the destruction of its environment, urging a reevaluation of humanity’s priorities. Through this haunting juxtaposition, Podgórski highlights the urgent need to restore balance, reconnect with the natural world, and rethink the consequences of consumerism and industrial greed.

Malwina Łuczyńska