The exhibition marks the conclusion of Polish emerging artist Horacy Muszyński’s two-year residency at the prestigious De Ateliers in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Muszyński was allegedly invited by the Dutch company Bio-Korf to create an exhibition narrating the history of the company’s flagship research project, its corporate development, and the titular product, Golden Drop. The show was produced in collaboration with TRAFO Center for Contemporary Art in Szczecin.
In his characteristic manner, Muszyński blurs the boundaries between truth and fiction, between reality and fabrication. The story, told in a corporate, often humorously exaggerated newspeak, disguises an unsettling commentary on contemporary realities beneath the veneer of cheerful capitalism. Through this uncompromising exhibition, the artist examines the plight of Polish seasonal workers and raises critical questions about ecological concerns—many of which turn out to be mere greenwashing.
The declining bee population, the spread of genetically modified plants (which, as the renowned Polish chef Magda Gessler famously remarked, "not even an fly would land on"), and the climate crisis forced the Dutch company to seek alternative methods of honey production. In the 1980s, scientist Hendrik van den Berg developed a method for producing synthetic “liquid gold” that seemed to offer a perfect solution to these global challenges.
Founded to commercialize this innovation, Bio-Korf spent years refining the production process, investing substantial financial resources and engaging a team of distinguished Dutch scientists. A specialized program was launched in which research participants were paid for their involvement in the project. The final product, Salivahoney, was indistinguishable from natural honey—it tasted almost identical. However, since its primary ingredient was human saliva, Bio-Korf struggled to persuade consumers to embrace it.
Artworks & Design: Lew Sołowiej, Marta Krysińska, Bartosz Zalewski
VR Simulation: Rufus Rufson
Audio Guide: Krystyna Czubówna (PL), Sam Marshall Lockyer (EN), Brigitte Louter (NL)
Frames & Props Aging: RENES
Exhibition Photos: GJ van Rooij
Artworks & Design: Lew Sołowiej, Marta Krysińska, Bartosz Zalewski
VR Simulation: Rufus Rufson
Audio Guide: Krystyna Czubówna (PL), Sam Marshall Lockyer (EN), Brigitte Louter (NL)
Frames & Props Aging: RENES
Exhibition Photos: GJ van Rooij