5. Identified impact areas

Hestia Park

Spanning the space between the ERGO ARENA and the ERGO Hestia headquarters, the Hestia Park was established in 2016. The park’s design was inspired by a plant: a cotton branch. The open flower buds are the car parks. Running down from them is a stem – a path, with small buds not yet opened, which represent the small circular resting areas. A green area the size of more than three football pitches features an open-air sculpture gallery and is filled with flowers of delightful colours as well as trees that provide shade on sunny days.

Echo, Xawery Wolski

At the roundabout, visitors are greeted by a monumental object: a four-metre-high sculpture by Xawery Wolski entitled “Echo”. It catches the eye of onlookers, not least due to its size, but also the colour: the bronze cast is golden, energising its surroundings. The object is made of three strands, merging into a circle. What does this mean? One of the artist’s key ideas is to create objects which skilfully deploy symbolism to inspire reflection, with the final interpretation stemming from the audience’s own experiences. Wolski wants to establish a dialogue between past and present, hence his numerous references to mythology.

This sculpture is no different: the sculptor emphasises his intention to refer to the three stages of our lives – past, present and future. When combined in one solid, they form a symbol of unlimited development. The three-fold nature of the work can be interpreted in various ways, including the analogy to the three Graces, or Greek Charites, goddesses of beauty, grace and joy. The title is equally significant. How to understand “Echo”? It is the name of one of the Greek nymphs. She made her mark in mythology as a helper of Zeus, whom he asked to distract Hera from his love affairs by telling her stories. The goddess found out about the ruse and punished Echo by depriving her of the ability to speak. From that time on, Echo could only repeat other people’s words. How does this sad story connect to the object? The monumental sculpture can be associated with the ear: the form seems to be a synthetic reference to the shape of the ear canal. Combined with the title, it prompts you to listen carefully and remain sensitive to what you hear, mindful of the needs of others.

Man Is Born Again,
Katarzyna Kimak

The space of the park is lit up by a neon sign designed by Katarzyna Kimak. Its form is extremely minimalist: it consists of the inscription “Man Is Born Again”. The light installation refers to another work by the artist: she designed ERGO Hestia’s Annual Report with the telling title “Dialogue”. For several months, Kimak held discussions on contemporary existence with the company’s employees. The neon sign has most positive overtones: despite adversity, one mustn’t forget that fate can change and that we, humans, have the ability to be reborn. The dynamic, irregular shape of the letters lends a personal touch to the phrase. As a result, you do not have the impression of being confronted with just another slogan, but rather see it as an important message, to be kept in memory. The object has a particularly strong effect at night, when it illuminates the darkness. What better way is there to symbolically depict our fears than by referring to darkness? Is there anything more archetypal than the struggle between light and darkness?

Spaces, Matěj Frank

A unique rusty-coloured object, fan-like in appearance, attracts attention in the park. It is the sculpture “Spaces” by Matěj Frank. It is made of 24 overlapping steel sheets 3 cm thick.

They bend in seemingly free-form shapes, which gives the impression that the object is constantly in motion. The sunlight reflecting on it brings out a slightly different character at different times of day, depending on which parts are illuminated and which remain in shadow. “Spaces” seem to constantly develop and change, an effect meticulously planned by the artist. The object was created on the occasion of ERGO Hestia’s 24 anniversary as an artistic vision of its growth, inner qualities and character. Its shape with characteristic waves symbolises carefully analysed data of the company and represents its growth. The material from which the object was made is also not coincidental: it is weather-resistant Corten steel representing qualities such as durability and stability.