Magdalena Abakanowicz (b.1930-2017) was a Polish sculptor and fibre
artist, most notable for her use of textiles as a sculptural medium.
In the 1960s and 1970s she wove sisal in intense colours to create
towering, hanging pieces that radically expanded the field of sculpture
and installation art, and catapulted the international 'fiber art'
movement. Known as 'Abakans', these 'organic environments' carried
many meanings and were often large in size, containing entanglements
of ropes or dividing spaces. They were spaces to contemplate, to
immerse oneself in, to experience.
Lavishly illustrated with immersive photography and stunning details,
this beautiful book explores the unique nature of these monumental
works and their impact as environmental sculpture. Considering the
relationships between the Abakans with their forest-like atmosphere,
and other key works, it reveals the artist's broad interest in natural
phenomena and folk-art traditions from different cultural backgrounds,
and the mastery and determination of a woman artist who, despite the
restrictions of living in Poland under an oppressive Communist regime,
established a career as an international artist. Drawing on themes
such as shamanism, female energy and power, pregnancy and insights
on human nature, the book highlights Abakanowicz's pioneering
contribution to installation art and the role of collaboration in her
practice, and contextualises her work within the Polish art world and
wider post-war Europe.
- ISBN10 8480263563
- ISBN13 9788480263566
- Publish Date 1 May 2008
- Publish Status Unknown
- Publish Country ES
- Imprint Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia Ministero de Cultura
- Format Paperback
- Pages 134
- Language English