The eponymous ‘Five Poisons’, also known as ‘mind defilements’, are a fundamental concept in Buddhism. They refer to five harmful emotions that are the source of human suffering: desire, anger, pride, jealousy, and ignorance. According to Buddhism, the world around us is essentially neutral. Suffering doesn’t arise from it, but directly from our psyche, comprising several layers, with spirituality at its pinnacle. Cieplechovic finds answers to his pressing questions by delving into psychology and Buddhism. His work weaves these insights together, incorporating influences from medieval art, Christian symbolism, Carl G. Jung’s analytical psychology, and concepts adopted from cultural anthropology literature.

Our minds and bodies are a culmination of causes and conditions,  predominantly filtered through social interactions and culture. The artist investigates symbols and archetypes, especially the maternal and paternal figures that are deeply intertwined with human development and growth. These figures give rise to the next generation, embedding patterns and values that we unconsciously mirror later in life. Cieplechovic revisits the theme of primordial ancestors, especially the symbols of the Divine Mother and Father (e.g. as seen in his artwork “Direct Data”, 2023).

Rituals and initiation ceremonies marking the transition to adulthood are another important theme for the artist. Periods of seclusion, series of trials, and acts of bodily mutilation have been associated with the idea of purification and rebirth since the earliest times. Alongside these physical aspects, a crucial part of initiation has been the systematic transmission of knowledge about traditions, myths and customs important to the community.

The artist contends that for every poison, there is an antidote. The exhibition encourages introspection into our psyche and an examination of ourselves as a society, contemplating our emotional well-being. It suggests that the very mind that is capable of causing grief and suffering is also the source of enlightenment. Persistence and strength in the pursuit of self-knowledge, recognising the five poisons, cultivate a state of relaxation, peace, and an abundance of joy, tenderness, and empathy in the mind.

Possessing the wisdom to face reality without harbouring feelings of regret, shame, or loss, and to see the world’s true nature rather than projecting onto it, is the source of life’s meaning. Its essence is to be happy and useful, both for oneself and for all sentient beings.

— Katarzyna Piskorz