The Victoria & Albert Museum in South Kensington is set to host a striking new installation by Polish artist Alicja Patanowska this September. Titled The Ripple Effect, the work takes center stage in the Madejski Garden, presenting a 2,000-tile composition that examines the hidden consequences of copper mining and the broader impact of human consumption on the environment.
© London Design Festival
Each of the 2,000 tiles has been individually shaped on the potter's wheel by Patanowska, creating a flowing, plateau-like formation that doubles as both a seating and material experiment. A functioning fountain guides water into the central pond, further animating the installation and connecting visitors to the natural cycles that inspired it.
The Ripple Effect incorporates industrial waste into the ceramic body, a deliberate choice that highlights the environmental and social repercussions of resource extraction. The installation takes inspiration from Poland's Żelazny Most reservoir, where the copper yield is a mere 0.4%. This subtle yet powerful ratio is represented visually within the work: only eight copper-coloured tiles are scattered among the 2,000 blue ones, a quiet but striking reminder of the scarcity and impact of these resources.
Through this combination of craft-based experimentation and environmental reflection, Patanowska emphasises the role of craft as a tool for attentiveness, respect, and responsibility. Her work encourages viewers to consider how individual choices ripple outward, shaping both ecosystems and communities.
Newly commissioned by the V&A and supported by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute and the Polish Cultural Institute, The Ripple Effect is part of the UK/Poland Season 2025 and will be a highlight of the 23rd edition of the London Design Festival, taking place from 13–21 September 2025.
More information:
London Design Festival
www.londondesignfestival.com
