In Art

Helena Minginowicz Paints on Paper Towels. It Shouldn’t Work, But It does.

June 6, 2026

Polish artist Helena Minginowicz airbrushes faces, bodies, and animals onto paper towels, tissues, and cosmetic sheet masks. Things with a lifespan measured in seconds.

A close-up of a textured paper towel featuring a softly blurred image of a person's face, partially visible with warm tones.

The disposable surface does real work. Embossed patterns, folds, and creases don’t hide behind the image. They become it. A face peers through quilted texture. A figure dissolves into a crumple.

Close-up of a textured surface featuring a repetitive pattern, resembling knots or paisley designs, displayed in warm tones.

One piece is hand-embossed into a paper tissue. The title: GREAT EXPECTATIONS / I’m my own biggest disappointment.

Close-up of a textured surface with a decorative pattern featuring swirls and dots, exhibiting warm tones and subtle shadows.

Her work is currently part of Let’s Face It at Warsaw’s Galeria Lotna. Helena Minginowicz | @santa___helena

An abstract close-up image of a face printed on textured material with a patterned surface, featuring subtle colors and shadowy details.

A painted facial mask with a scenic image featuring a white horse against a landscape backdrop with greenery and blue sky.

A close-up image featuring two hands gently touching on a textured surface, showcasing a sense of intimacy and connection.

An artistic representation of a parent holding a child, depicted with swirling patterns and soft colors against a textured white background.

A textured piece of paper towel with a blurred, faded portrait in the center, featuring soft colors and an abstract quality.

Close-up of two faces partially obscured by textured material with a pattern, showcasing intimate expressions.

Discover more from Moss and Fog

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Author Ben VanderVeen

Ben VanderVeen is the founder and editor of Moss & Fog, one of the web’s longest-running visual culture destinations. Since 2009, he’s been finding and framing the most beautiful, surprising, and thought-provoking work in art, architecture, design, and nature — reaching over 325,000 readers each month. He lives in Portland, Oregon.