This striking painting reinterprets the elegance of Jan Asselijn’s work within the context of modern environmental conflict. A swan, vibrant yet tainted with grime, is poised in defiance in a natural landscape overshadowed by a sprawling, dense city skyline. In the foreground, a pipe emerges from the urban expanse, spilling toxins into the lake, polluting the swan’s habitat. The swan’s expression conveys a raw anger—a loud voice, a desperate shout for humanity to wake up.

The pollution, however, is not merely industrial; it holds a deeper, metaphorical meaning. It symbolizes the pollution of values, the entrapment within a matrix of ego, greed, and the relentless pursuit of wealth, all at the expense of respect for nature. Podgórski critiques this disregard for ecological harmony and reminds us of a critical truth: humanity cannot conquer or tame nature, as we are intrinsically dependent on it.

Through the swan’s defiance, Podgórski underscores the urgency of rethinking our priorities, recognizing that true richness lies not in material wealth but in our symbiotic relationship with the natural world. The painting serves as both a warning and a call for renewal, urging viewers to restore balance and honor the fragile interconnectedness that sustains life.

Malwina Łuczyńska