Art Zone at Sacroexpo: “Life Is Beautiful” Exhibition and Contemporary Sacred Art Captivate Visitors (Sacroexpo 2026)
During the 27th International Exhibition of Church Construction, Church Fittings and Furnishings and Religious Art at Targi Kielce (15–17 June 2026), visitors were invited into a specially curated space known as the Art Zone at Sacroexpo. This year’s edition placed strong emphasis on the dialogue between spirituality, contemporary art, and reflections on the beauty of human existence.
The Art Zone became one of the most visited and discussed parts of the event, offering two complementary exhibitions: the international project “Life Is Beautiful”, and a contemporary presentation of sacred art prepared by the Art in House Auction House.
“Life Is Beautiful”: Art as a Celebration of Human Existence
A central highlight of the Art Zone was the international exhibition “Life Is Beautiful”, organised by the Slovak ARTEM Association. The project brought together artists from different countries, generations, and artistic backgrounds, united by a shared reflection on life, hope, and spirituality.
The exhibition featured works by artists such as:
Simona Drakulova, Svitlana Dudenko, Domi Gabriel, Pavol Hammel, Waltraut Chimani, Eva Ježišková Lásková, Monika Kulhavá, Michaela Lukmann, Ivana Máleková, Silvia Petrová, Romana Schmitová, and Michal Straška, among others.
Rather than focusing on religious symbolism alone, the exhibition emphasised a broader human message. The artworks encouraged visitors to pause and reconsider everyday life through themes of gratitude, beauty, and inner reflection. Many pieces highlighted emotional depth, personal experience, and the quiet spiritual dimension present in ordinary moments.
The curators of the exhibition stressed that art can serve as a universal language — one capable of connecting people beyond cultural or religious boundaries. Within the context of Sacroexpo, “Life Is Beautiful” aligned with the broader mission of the event: to demonstrate how art can inspire dialogue and deepen sensitivity toward spiritual and existential values.
Contemporary Sacred Art in the Art Zone
The second major component of the Art Zone was the exhibition prepared by the Art in House Auction House, which once again played an important role in shaping the artistic programme of Sacroexpo.
This section focused specifically on contemporary interpretations of religious themes, showing how traditional Christian iconography continues to evolve within modern artistic language.
Featured Artists
Visitors had the opportunity to explore works by four prominent artists:
- Teresa Pastuszki-Kowalska and Dariusz Kowalski, known for monumental sacred compositions and expressive bronze sculptures
- Joanna Mieszko, who presents architectural depictions of Poland’s most important churches, enriched with narrative detail and visual storytelling
- Aleksandra Elizabethe Wojtysiak, whose minimalist yet symbolic works reinterpret Marian iconography, often combining modern simplicity with golden accents
Each artist approached sacred subject matter from a different perspective, demonstrating the diversity of contemporary religious art and its ability to adapt to evolving aesthetic sensibilities.
The exhibition highlighted that sacred art is no longer confined to historical styles or traditional church decoration. Instead, it continues to expand into new forms, materials, and visual languages that speak to modern audiences while maintaining spiritual depth.
Where Art Meets Spiritual Reflection
The Art Zone at Sacroexpo 2026 functioned as more than a traditional exhibition space. It became a meeting point for artists, collectors, clergy, and visitors interested in the intersection of art and spirituality.
The displayed works ranged from symbolic paintings and monumental sculptures to architectural interpretations and contemporary religious imagery. Together, they created a multi-layered experience that encouraged reflection on faith, humanity, and the meaning of beauty in the modern world.
Rather than presenting sacred art as something fixed in tradition, the Art Zone emphasised its ongoing evolution. The exhibition demonstrated that contemporary artists continue to engage with spiritual themes in ways that are both innovative and deeply personal.
Sacroexpo 2026: A Broader Context
The Art Zone was part of the larger Sacroexpo 2026, one of the most important international events dedicated to church construction, religious design, and sacred art. Held annually in Kielce, the exhibition brings together industry professionals, artists, and institutions involved in shaping contemporary religious spaces.
Within this broader framework, the Art Zone played a cultural and reflective role, complementing the technical and architectural aspects of the fair with artistic and philosophical depth.
Conclusion
The Art Zone at Sacroexpo 2026, featuring the “Life Is Beautiful” exhibition and contemporary sacred art presentations, offered visitors a powerful encounter between art and spirituality. It showed how modern artistic expression can engage with timeless themes such as faith, hope, and the beauty of existence.
By bringing together international artists and diverse interpretations of sacred imagery, the exhibition reaffirmed that religious art remains a living, evolving field — one that continues to inspire reflection and dialogue in the contemporary world.
