Where Art Meets Space

One such project was Exuva – an installation created by Ada Sokół and Paloceras, which transformed the courtyard of PURO Warszawa Stare Miasto at the end of June with light, sound, and greenery. Although temporary in nature, the exhibition explored universal themes of transformation, humanity’s relationship with nature, and the convergence of the physical and digital worlds. The installation was developed in collaboration with partners Lexavala, NODE Workshop, and Unsound, while PURO served as the main partner by providing the space that became an integral part of the overall experience.

Inspired by Metamorphosis

The starting point for the project was a butterfly-inspired eyewear collection created by Paloceras in collaboration with Ada Sokół. The title of the project references the Latin word exuvia, meaning the outer shell left behind after metamorphosis. The theme of transformation became the central thread of the entire narrative, both visually and emotionally.

Butterflies are also part of the Paloceras brand story itself. Before adopting its current name, the company operated as Rhopalocera, the Latin term for butterflies. In Exuva, this symbolic point of departure evolved into a spatial installation that invited visitors to immerse themselves in a world inspired by nature and transformation.

From the Digital Realm to a Physical Experience

For Ada Sokół, whose distinctive visual language exists at the intersection of digital art, fashion, and emerging technologies, Exuva was also an attempt to translate her creative universe into a real-world environment.

“The Exuva installation was born from my desire to expand a story that Paloceras and I had begun creating months earlier. Everything came together naturally: during Milan Design Week, together with Lexavala, we presented lamps engraved with a butterfly motif of my own design, so I couldn’t imagine them not being part of this exhibition. At the same time, we were planning to use the courtyard space at PURO. Since Paloceras is based in Helsinki, the brand fitted perfectly into the Scandinavian narrative of PURO Warszawa Stare Miasto. NODE Workshop had been on my radar for quite some time, and finally the opportunity arose to create floral sculptures together. For me, the entire project is highly coherent, and no element of the installation was accidental,” says Ada Sokół.

At the heart of the artistic installation stood a greenhouse, while the soundscape was created by Unsound in collaboration with Julek Płoski. The result was a one-hour mixtape that allowed the project to resonate not only visually but also musically.

When Space Becomes Part of the Story

In the case of Exuva, the location was just as important as the installation itself. The inner courtyard of PURO Warszawa Stare Miasto served not merely as an exhibition venue but as an active contributor to the project’s identity.

Places like these demonstrate how the role of hotels and urban spaces is evolving today. They are increasingly becoming platforms for art, design, and local culture, creating opportunities for encounters between artists, residents, and travelers.

For PURO, hosting projects such as Exuva is a natural continuation of the brand’s long-standing commitment to supporting contemporary culture, local creative communities, and initiatives that exist at the intersection of art and design. The most compelling experiences often emerge where different creative disciplines converge—and where thoughtfully designed spaces become more than just a backdrop. They become part of the story itself.