Polish visual artist Karolina Halatek has unveiled "Ascent," a breathtaking five-meter-high spiral installation combining mist and light, as part of Lancôme's prestigious "Voyage of the Rose" program in Qingdao this July 2025. The immersive, site-specific artwork creates an otherworldly environment that transforms visitors' perceptual experience through the dynamic interplay of atmospheric effects and illumination.
The installation showcases Halatek's expertise in creating large-scale light environments that blend art with scientific principles. "Ascent" investigates the complex relationship between light and atmosphere through a carefully designed spatial structure that integrates both optical and environmental effects. As mist and illumination combine within the spiral form, they create constantly shifting visual conditions that envelop visitors in an altered sensory field, offering a unique and contemplative experience.
Halatek, whose artistic practice centers on large-scale light installations and immersive environments, drew inspiration from multiple scientific phenomena for this work. The installation references microscopic observations, electromagnetic wave behavior, and atmospheric dynamics, while simultaneously exploring deeper themes of transformation and continuity. These scientific elements reflect the artist's frequent collaborations with scientists and engineers to achieve technically sophisticated and complex artistic results.
"Ascent" was specifically created to interpret Lancôme's iconic Absolue Rose emblem as part of the brand's ambitious cultural initiative. The installation was developed and produced in collaboration with Somexing Artistic Agency, demonstrating the successful fusion of commercial branding with serious artistic expression. Halatek's interpretation transforms the brand's symbolic rose into an abstract, experiential artwork that maintains the essence of beauty and transformation associated with the cosmetics company.
The "Voyage of the Rose" program represents a significant investment in contemporary art, commissioning four distinguished international artists to create unique interpretations of Lancôme's Absolue Rose emblem. Each installation strategically combined elements of art, science, and sustainable design principles within temporary exhibition spaces across major Chinese cities. This innovative approach demonstrates the growing intersection between luxury brands and contemporary art patronage.
The complete series featured diverse artistic approaches and locations throughout 2025. Juju Wang presented "Garden of Everything" in Wuhan during April, followed by Halatek's "Ascent" in Qingdao in July. The program continued with Casey Curran's "Birth of an Icon" in Chengdu during August, and concluded with Daigo Daikoku's "A Gift from Eternal Rose" in Shenzhen, also in August. Each artist brought their unique vision and technical expertise to the project, creating a comprehensive cultural experience across China.
Halatek's international recognition stems from her innovative approach to light-based installations and her ability to create transformative spatial experiences. Her work has been exhibited extensively across Europe, the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, establishing her as a leading figure in contemporary installation art. The technical complexity of her projects, often requiring collaboration with engineers and scientists, sets her apart in the field of immersive environmental art and demonstrates the evolving relationship between technology and artistic expression.
