Art, gallery

Step into the extraordinary world of Magdalena Abakanowicz, a revered Polish artist whose profound impact on the art world continues to reverberate today. In a groundbreaking exhibition, we delve into the depths of Abakanowicz's artistic journey, tracing the evolution of her innovative creations and shedding light on the remarkable stories that inspired her work.

During the 1960s and 70s, Magdalena Abakanowicz, a Polish artist (1930-2017), embarked on a creative journey that redefined the boundaries of sculpture. Through her innovative large-scale woven sculptures, known as Abakans, she introduced ambiguous forms crafted from thread and rope that defied easy categorization and challenged conventional definitions of sculpture.

This exhibition explores a pivotal period in Abakanowicz's early career when her woven creations transitioned from flat surfaces to three-dimensional space. She emerged as a leading figure in the New Tapestry movement, which emerged in late 1960s Europe. This movement championed fiber as a legitimate medium for artistic expression. Abakanowicz recognized the significance of being acknowledged as a sculptor by prominent art galleries and museums. Consequently, she exhibited her monumental fibrous forms internationally, allowing them to interact with new environments within gallery spaces, thus paving the way for contemporary installation art.

Abakanowicz's artwork also draws inspiration from her childhood memories, particularly the traumatic experiences of the Second World War. Born into an aristocratic Tatar family that experienced a decline in fortunes during the conflict, she witnessed the war's conclusion at the age of 15. Later, living in Communist Poland, she dedicated herself wholeheartedly to her career as an international artist. Abakanowicz not only brought attention to natural fibers within the art world but also developed a deeply personal artistic language. Her environmental sensibilities, including her desire to live and create in harmony with nature, resonate strongly in today's world.

This remarkable exhibition unravels the threads of Abakanowicz's artistic language and examine the profound impact of her environmental attitudes on today's society. From her pioneering use of natural fibers to her international exhibitions that propelled installation art into the forefront, we witness the legacy of a visionary whose work continues to captivate and inspire.