Opening of the photo exhibition by Grażyna Hankiewicz, Dariusz Hankiewicz and Krzysztof Sak ARCHE Nałęczów, 6 September 2026, 15:00, Healing Room
A small island between Europe and America: constantly blowing, always strong winds, and a sulfur-scented earth that smolders in the air. Dariusz Hankiewicz, co-author of the exhibition, describes Iceland this way—and „ISLANDIA” will be visible at ARCHE Nałęczów starting 6
A land that enchants you at first glance
– It’s a place of plains and plateaus, as well as mountains that, on closer inspection, turn out to be long-dormant volcanoes—Dariusz Hankiewicz says with emotion. – On their peaks, often covered in snow, clouds dance, stitched together by the sharp rays of the sun. This is where the sun setting behind the ridges slips just beyond the horizon while, at the same time, peeks out from the ocean waves. That’s also where, with their spellbinding combs of wind, tiny trolls brush Iceland’s golden manes.
Hard to imagine a better introduction to a realm that has delighted travelers and photographers for years. Iceland is contrasts—fire and ice, silence and raw nature, harshness and beauty—and those are the exhibition’s stars.
Three pairs of eyes, one shared journey
The exhibition story started with two people. Dariusz Hankiewicz and Krzysztof Sak went to Iceland, checking weather forecasts and maps, traveling along gravel roads and the untamed trails of the North.
– First we went to Iceland with Krzysztof, and then, at my suggestion, my wife Grażynka joined—Mr. Dariusz recalls with a smile.
That’s how a trio of enthusiasts was formed, crossing the island’s endless, majestic spaces with cameras in hand to capture its fleeting atmosphere. Their trips were full of patient waiting for perfect light—they repeatedly ventured into misty valleys, pushed through glacier streams, and battled gusty winds that could change the landscape beyond recognition in a matter of minutes. And throughout it all, they were accompanied by that unmistakable, sulfurous scent of the earth—so noticeable in Iceland almost everywhere.
What will we see at the exhibition?
The result is a unique collection of shots capturing, among other things:
- the mesmerizing contrast between fire’s power and ice’s
- powerful geysers blasting towering columns of hot water,
- deep blues of cracking glaciers,
- black beaches meeting the ocean’s wild surf,
- a lone puffin against the harsh landscape of the North Atlantic.
Each of the photos presented is proof of how varied viewpoints from a camera can weave into one coherent story of awe at the power of nature.
– You can see the effect of our travels at the exhibition—Mr. Dariusz sums up.
Third exhibition, new authors
For ARCHE Nałęczów, this meeting is special: it’s the third exhibition by Grażyna Hankiewicz hosted on the welcoming Nałęczów hotel property—marking, in this Healing Room setting, the debut of Dariusz Hankiewicz and Krzysztof Sak.
ARCHE Nałęczów—a place open to art and local creators
The „ISLANDIA” exhibition continues ARCHE Nałęczów’s long-running support of artists—especially those linked to the Lublin region. The venue regularly opens its spaces for photo and sculpture shows and other art, plus author talks with creators of interesting books. So guests of ARCHE Nałęczów can rest and, while staying here, experience art and meet local artists and their work.
You’re invited
The opening of the „ISLANDIA” exhibition will take place on 6 September 2026 at 15:00 in the Healing Room at ARCHE Nałęczów. We invite you to view frames that are a journey… to the third day of creation—best to the sounds of Icelandic music.
See you at the exhibition!
You can view the „ISLANDIA” exhibition every day, as long as the Healing Room is available. Before your visit, please contact reception to confirm visiting will be possible.
