When does the exhibition take place?

The exhibition runs from June 12, 2026, to October 9, 2026.

Where can the exhibition be seen?

At the Polish Institute Düsseldorf, Citadellstraße 7, 40213 Düsseldorf.

Is the exhibition suitable for art enthusiasts without prior knowledge?

Yes. The exhibition combines impressive visual worlds with clear themes like memory, historical images, and contemporary art.

Is there a connection to Manifesta 16 Ruhr?

Yes. The exhibition is linked to the program of Manifesta 16 Ruhr and is part of the Polish contribution in the Biennale context.

Mikołaj Sobczak Transforms Historical Painting into a Powerful Counterimage

Name: Mikołaj Sobczak. Divide and Rule
Start: 2026-09-03T13:00:00+02:00
End: 2026-09-03T13:00:00+02:00
Location: Polnisches Institut Düsseldorf

Mikołaj Sobczak in Düsseldorf: Historical Painting as an Open Counterimage

The Polish Institute Düsseldorf presents Mikołaj Sobczak. Divide and Rule, the artist's first institutional solo exhibition in the city. The exhibition runs from June 12 to October 9, 2026, and is free of charge; it is closely connected to the context of Manifesta 16 Ruhr. ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/2026/07/07/mikolaj-sobczak-ausstellung/?utm_source=openai))

Painting, Memory and Present

Sobczak, born in 1989 in Poznań, works with painting, video, performance, and ceramic forms. His visual worlds deal with the construction of historical images and give space to marginalized perspectives, particularly queer and trans* realities. He engages with the conventions of historical painting and transforms them into new, polyphonic narratives. ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/2026/07/07/mikolaj-sobczak-ausstellung/?utm_source=openai))

Alternative Scenarios Instead of Official Certainties

In the exhibition, historical allegory, political commentary, and poetic imagination intersect. Sobczak's work links images of everyday life with figures from emancipatory movements, with protest, counter-culture, and religious or esoteric motives. This creates an exhibition atmosphere that does not educate but interrogates: Who writes history, who remains invisible, and how can a canon be read anew? ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/2026/07/07/mikolaj-sobczak-ausstellung/?utm_source=openai))

Curatorial Context and Manifesta 16 Ruhr

Curated by Krzysztof Kościuczuk, the exhibition is part of an international exchange that is further emphasized by Manifesta 16 Ruhr. The Polish Institute Düsseldorf positions the exhibition as part of a strong Polish presence within the Biennale. This creates an art experience for visitors that connects contemporary art production, cultural education, and art historical reflection. ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/2026/06/22/polnische-kunstler-und-kuratoren-bei-manifesta-16-ruhr/?utm_source=openai))

Visit On-Site

The gallery of the Polish Institute is located at Citadellstraße 7, 40213 Düsseldorf. The gallery is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 AM to 5 PM, as well as Thursdays from 11 AM to 7 PM. Admission is free. ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/))

Conclusion

Mikołaj Sobczak. Divide and Rule promises a dense, intellectually stimulating exhibition that navigates between painting, memory politics, and queer presence. Those interested in contemporary art, historical images, and alternative narrative forms should definitely experience this exhibition live in Düsseldorf. ([instytutpolski.pl](https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/2026/07/07/mikolaj-sobczak-ausstellung/?utm_source=openai))

Official Channels of Mikołaj Sobczak:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/polish_institute_duesseldorf/
Facebook: No official profile found
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/PolnischesInstitut
Website: https://instytutpolski.pl/duesseldorf/

Mikołaj Sobczak. Divide and Rule at the Polish Institute Düsseldorf

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