The Crowd by Magdalena Abakanowicz - 1986–1994 - 175 × 85 × 30 cm and 175 × 60 × 30 cm The National Museum in Wrocław The Crowd by Magdalena Abakanowicz - 1986–1994 - 175 × 85 × 30 cm and 175 × 60 × 30 cm The National Museum in Wrocław

The Crowd

series of 26 figures jute cloth hardened with resin, mixed media • 175 × 85 × 30 cm and 175 × 60 × 30 cm
  • Magdalena Abakanowicz - 20 June 1930 - 20 April 2017 Magdalena Abakanowicz 1986–1994

Until 28 August 2022, in the National Museum in Wrocław you can visit an exhibition of Magdalena Abakanowicz, entitled Abakanowicz. Total. Abakanowicz was internationally the best-known contemporary Polish artist; she was widely known for her use of textiles as a sculptural medium and her outdoor installations. Her usually monumental works are now in the collections of the most important museums in the world. 

The Crowd installation that we present today is one of Abakanowicz’s signature works. The headless figures, stripped of individuality and arranged in disciplined rows make us reflect on the nature of collectivity, common experience, and shared destiny. The standing human mass may simultaneously embody haplessness and symbolize rebellion or the destructive, negative force. For some, the drab crowd evokes the lusterless reality of life under Communism, with its isolationism, “one size fits all” mentality, and totalitarian discipline. To others, it is a timeless expression of the universal human condition.

- Iwona Gołaj

We are very happy we could feature Abakanowicz's work in DailyArt, especially because March is a Women's History Month. If you would like to learn more about women artists, please check our special Notebook here.  :)

P.S. Do you know Abakans? Click here to see unique and ... scary sculptures by Magdalena Abakanowicz!  :)