Renaissance-inspired woman’s face painted on two paper towels, displayed horizontally.

Helena Minginowicz Elevates Paper Towels into Renaissance-Inspired Artworks Encased in Acrylic

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Written by Sam Johnson

2026-07-22

Artist Helena Minginowicz challenges perceptions of value by transforming paper towels into ethereal paintings. Using airbrushed acrylic, she builds lightweight, translucent layers on this ubiquitous item.

The paper towel’s machine-embossed textures evoke familiarity, blending function with the fleeting nature of mass-produced goods. Minginowicz uses this contrast to question material hierarchy, reshaping our perception of dignity and human experience.

For a unique blend of art and nature, explore Ava Roth’s ‘Kintsu-Bee’ series where ceramics meet bee-made honeycomb, showcasing innovative material uses.

These intricate pieces are part of a larger multimedia practice. Her works, mounted between thick acrylic sheets, gain impressive weight and presence. The ordinary transformed through innovative presentation.

Delve into another layer of artistic dialogue with Tiffany Miller Russell’s animal portraits, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and material transformation.

Renaissance-inspired man's face with rabbit-shaped mark on his cheek, on torn paper towel.
a painting of a man’s face with a mark in the shape of a rabbit on his cheek, inspired by a Renaissance portrait, on a torn sheet of paper towel

“Civilizations create a hierarchy of values,” Minginowicz explains. Her art reflects the flip side of monuments and myths, highlighting both the remembered and the overlooked.

Minginowicz’s work channels Renaissance portraiture, focusing on expressive figures reminiscent of Botticelli and noble portraits. Her style prompts us to reconsider the narratives we choose to immortalize, suggesting that every person merits remembrance.

As she prepares for a solo exhibition at Galerie Prima in Paris, opening October 8, Minginowicz continues to expand her artistic dialogue. Follow her journey on Instagram to see more of her thought-provoking creations.

Renaissance-style man's face with rabbit mark on cheek, encased between acrylic sheets.
a painting of a man’s face with a mark in the shape of a rabbit on his cheek, inspired by a Renaissance portrait, on a sheet of paper towel that is encased between two thick pieces of acrylic
Two painted female figures, inspired by classical art, on paper towels.
two small painted female figures inspired by classical paintings on two sheets of paper towel
A Renaissance-style painting of hand and breast on a paper towel.
a painting of a hand and breast from a Renaissance painting on on paper towel
Renaissance painting-inspired two figures on two adjoining sheets of paper towel.
a painting of two figures from a Renaissance painting on two sheets of paper towel
Renaissance-style hand and breast painted on two adjoining paper towel sheets.
a painting of a hand and breast from a Renaissance painting on two sheets of paper towel
Renaissance-inspired painting of two people kissing on a torn paper towel.
a painting of two people kissing, inspired by a Renaissance portrait, on a torn sheet of paper towel

Source: thisiscolossal.com

Frequently asked questions

How does Helena Minginowicz transform paper towels into art?

Helena Minginowicz uses airbrushed acrylic to build lightweight, translucent layers on paper towels, utilizing their machine-embossed textures to evoke familiarity and blend function with the fleeting nature of mass-produced goods.

What artistic style influences Minginowicz’s work?

Minginowicz’s work channels Renaissance portraiture, focusing on expressive figures reminiscent of Botticelli and noble portraits.

Where is Helena Minginowicz having her solo exhibition?

Helena Minginowicz is preparing for a solo exhibition at Galerie Prima in Paris, opening October 8.