I PRIZE
Adrian Wróblik - Światło wśród rdzy (Light Amid the Rust)
The photograph captures the progressive corrosion process on the front of the legendary Syrena 101, manufactured in 1961 at the Warsaw Passenger Car Factory (FSO). Years of the vehicle’s exposure to open-air conditions, combined with the impact of atmospheric factors, led to the oxidation of individual body components, particularly in the area of the front bumper. As a result, the once shiny, smooth chrome‑plated parts have transformed into a rough structure with a characteristic faded brown‑orange hue.
The effect captured in the photograph draws attention to a certain aesthetic paradox of corrosion. What is commonly associated with destruction here takes on artistic value, emphasizing the character of the vintage car.
The frame highlighting the vehicle’s headlamp may reveal hidden symbolism within the photograph. As one of the few elements that has not corroded, it breaks the overall image of decay. It may symbolize a glimmer of hope for renewal and the restoration of the car’s former brilliance and functionality. It is a sign that even in the most corroded objects, there remains potential for rebirth.
