Two Minutes Before Midnight: Bartosz Beda’s Artistic View of Humanity’s Tipping Point

In Two Minutes Before Midnight, a solo exhibition, artist Bartosz Beda reflects on humanity’s patterns, themes of individualism, societal reflection, and the sense of an impending but transformative change. His work invites viewers to question whether, as his title suggests, humanity stands at the edge of cultural, spiritual, and intellectual change—a reset rather than an end.

Bartosz Beda’s Reflection on Society’s Path

Beda’s inspiration for Two Minutes Before Midnight is reflective, rooted in a sense of “tension and emptiness” that appears to saturate modern life. His artistic statement explains how individualism and narcissism have evolved into powerful societal commodities. He points out that these qualities, once considered imaginable interests, are now accepted—even celebrated—in a way that shapes our civilization.

According to Beda, the world seems to loom at a critical moment, “two minutes before midnight,” signaling a coming change. However, Beda’s view of this “midnight” is not apocalyptic. Instead, he anticipates a natural reset, a correctional re-alignment of values that lets life restart along a healthier pathway. Rather than foretelling a collapse, Beda expects a reawakening—an overdue recalibration.

The Influence of Ancient Wisdom and Historical Warnings

Beda’s thoughts draw from an early understanding with his Polish teacher, who shared an ancient story about archeologists uncovering hieroglyphs that criticized the youth of that time as uncultured and unmotivated—a sensation that echoes across the ages. For Beda, this story symbolizes humanity’s enduring tendency to view the present through a lens of downfall and fear.

The cyclical patterns in history align with the German philosopher Georg Hegel, who said, “The only thing that we learn from history is that we learn nothing from history.” Beda’s paintings investigate this recurring cycle, indicating that humanity often repeats its mistakes while ignoring the lessons left by previous generations.

Beda interprets this as a sign of society’s lack of engagement with critical problems and its increasing attachment to superficial concepts of success and happiness. To Beda, the world is on the verge of a collective “midnight,” when a substantial transition or reset will occur—perhaps returning to more meaningful, grounded principles.

The Changing Meaning of “Eudaimonia” and Human Fulfillment

In his paintings, Beda reflects on the Greek concept of “eudaimonia,” often translated as “happiness” or “flourishing,” but which has, over time, become associated with the purpose of extremes and external accomplishments. Originally, eudaimonia implied a steady, fulfilled state of being accomplished through reasoned ethics and balanced feelings. However, as society develops, happiness increasingly pressures external validation and success, leading away from the peaceful inner nature of the ancient Greeks’ ideas.

Through this lens, Beda suggests that society’s recent characterization of happiness is entangled with extremes of pleasure and achievement, making a dangerous expressive foundation that renounces individuals struggling to find enjoyment. Beda sees it as losing balance, pushing humanity closer to the existential “midnight” he portrays in his solo exhibition.

The Paradox of Human Nature in Beda’s Art

Beda’s Two Minutes Before Midnight paintings explore the paradox of nature. They explore the movement for people to attach to illogical sentiments and follow misguided senses despite evidence to the contrary. It usually leads individuals to judgments disregarding the logic of nature and existence.

His paintings capture this human paradox—where intellectual triumphs coexist with dynamic and ethical mistakes—showing the fragility of reason in the face of societal pressures. Beda’s perspective echoes the ancient Latin aphorism Imperare sibi maximum imperium est (“The greatest empire is to be emperor of oneself”), highlighting that true power lies in self-mastery and self-discretion.

Reflecting on Time and Self-Mastery

The Two Minutes Before Midnight series explores self-mastery, mixing caution with a sense of urgency. The paintings explore freedom, personal achievement, and self-interest, which suggest cultural stagnation. Yet, Beda remains hopeful that transformation is within reach.

Bartosz Beda encourages viewers to experience his paintings and solo exhibition as a space for shared introspection and renewal.

An Artistic Reckoning for Humanity

Through Two Minutes Before Midnight, Beda presents a visual narrative of reflection, tension, and optimism by examining historical patterns, philosophical thought, and changing values.

Bartosz Beda suggests a message: humanity’s proximity to “midnight” is both a sign and an opportunity. With the knowledge of the past and a recalibrated vision for the future, individuals can contribute to a joint evolution. His art is both an invitation and a challenge, provoking society to step back, reflect, and adopt the chance for a new beginning—a midnight reset where the course of “life” is gently corrected and hope for a balanced future persists.