Małgorzata Mirga-Tas’ monumental textile work on view at Henie Onstad

“Henie Onstad has a long history of presenting textile art. As early as 1970, the museum presented the exhibition Norwegian Textile Art in the 20th Century. Following the critically acclaimed 2023 exhibition of Magdalena Abakanowicz—one of the great pioneers of textile art—this tradition continues, now with one of the leading voices from a younger generation of Polish textile artists, who has established herself internationally as an important and powerful visual storyteller” says Anne Hilde Neset, Director of Henie Onstad. 

“Małgorzata Mirga-Tas works from a feminist perspective and questions stereotypical and stigmatising portrayals of life of the Roma—particularly women—in European art and cultural history. Her textile art is both a source of identity and community, and a visual feast we are excited to share with the public,” says Caroline Ugelstad, Director of Collections and Exhibitions at Henie Onstad and curator of the exhibition. 

The artist collects textiles from family and friends and, using everyday materials such as tablecloths, curtains, bed linen and clothing, creates powerful images in collaboration with women from her community. The works portray both heroines and mythical figures, while also addressing the historical oppression of the Roma. 

By shedding light on overlooked narratives, Mirga-Tas offers an alternative story to established histories. Her series Herstories serves as a unique archive of Roma women who have broken away from patriarchal structures and are now claiming their place—both within Roma communities and in the art world. In the key work Re-Enchanting the World, she dismantles stereotypical representations, strengthens her community and reveals a diversity of voices. 

The artist challenges us to ask critical questions about representation—what is shown, by whom, and with what purpose? In doing so, Mirga-Tas highlights one of today’s most urgent debates: who has access to the public sphere, and whose stories are told? 

Since her breakthrough at the Venice Biennale, Małgorzata Mirga-Tas has received international recognition and has been awarded several prestigious prizes, including Paszporty Polityki and the Tajsa Roma Cultural Heritage Prize. 

The exhibition is a collaboration between Kunstmuseum Luzern, Henie Onstad Kunstsenter and Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg. 

Overview 

Title: Małgorzata Mirga-Tas: An Alternative Story 
Exhibition dates: 28 June – 2 November 2025 
Artist: Małgorzata Mirga-Tas 
Curator: Caroline Ugelstad 
Press viewing: Friday 27 June at 10:00. RSVP to tm@hok.no 
Venue: Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, Sonja Henies vei 31, 1311 Høvikodden 
Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–17:00, Thursday 11:00–20:00, closed Mondays 
Website: hok.no/en