Plague Crystals by Natalia Romik

Koffler Arts at Artscape Youngplace on Shaw Street plays host to a thought-provoking and visually arresting exhibition this summer: *Plague Crystals* by Polish artist, architect, and researcher Dr. Natalia Romik.

Drawing inspiration from the biblical Book of Exodus and the Lurianic Kabbalistic concept of shattered vessels, Romik's work identifies and symbolically contains material embodiments of modern crises—ranging from climate change to social injustice. Following iterations in Berlin, Passau, and Będzin, this Toronto presentation marks the first time the complete core constellation is brought together, newly expanded through collaborations with local Toronto participants who nominated everyday objects to enclose within translucent crystal structures.

Though built around weighty themes of collective vulnerability, the installation radiates an optimistic sense of communal care and persistence. Located in the heart of West Queen West, it makes for a compelling cultural stop on an afternoon gallery crawl. Admission is free, offering an intimate look at an internationally acclaimed artist's vision of repair.