“We have no need of other worlds, we need mirrors” — comes from the legendary Polish science fiction writer Stanisław Lem (1921–2006), one of Poland’s most internationally recognised authors.

“Nie potrzebujemy innych światów. Potrzebujemy luster.”

 This particular quote comes from his novel Solaris (1961). In this book, Lem questions whether human beings can truly understand or communicate with something fundamentally alien — or whether, in the end, we only ever see reflections of ourselves, our own desires, and limitations. That’s the power behind the “mirrors” metaphor.

Lem’s work is deeply philosophical, blending speculative science fiction with profound reflections on human nature, technology, and the limits of understanding.

In Polish literature, he stands out as a pioneer of speculative fiction, using futuristic and alien worlds not just for adventure or escapism but as metaphors to explore human consciousness, ethics, and the unknowability of the universe.

This year’s Polish Art Foundation’s Speculative Futures exhibition is inspired by Lem’s legacy and invites our artists to begin a dialogue by holding up a mirror to today’s society, asking what our imagined futures reveal about our present.

As the world around us becomes increasingly more complex, and confronting, we summon you to join our conversation.