Although the exhibition was originally intended to feature only Mitoraj’s works, with each new piece acquired and each subsequent meeting, the opportunity arose to expand the exhibition to include works by other distinguished Polish artists. The juxtaposition of Mitoraj’s works with those of other artists thus became the perfect culmination, uniting the rich heritage of 20th-century Polish sculpture into a single whole. This project is not limited to presenting the profile of a single artist but serves as a manifesto of strength and diversity. A forum for dialogue has been created among artists whose works, despite differing aesthetics, form a coherent narrative of Poland’s artistic legacy.
The exhibition is an invitation to the world of sculpture—somewhat austere, monumental, and certainly unique. The event “Masters of Sculpture in Pabianice” is all the more special because it has been divided into an outdoor section and a museum section.
The outdoor exhibition is taking place in the beautiful gardens of Pabianice’s Aflopark, where art harmonizes with nature and blooming flowers. Over 20 sculptures by Igor Mitoraj, Zdzisław Beksiński, Magdalena Abakanowicz, and Bronisław Chromy have been displayed in this space. Some of the works, which required a museum setting for their presentation, have been exhibited at the Museum of the City of Pabianice—in a Renaissance fortified manor house, commonly known as “the Castle.” It is there that visitors can admire nearly 30 works by the aforementioned artists, joined by the distinguished Alina Szapocznikow—who lived in Pabianice during her childhood and youth. This is significant, as this year marks the 100th anniversary of her birth, celebrated right here in Pabianice.
The exhibition is accompanied by several additional initiatives. In Aflopark’s new space—the naturalistic garden—new works by contemporary artists are on display. Among them are works by the Robosexi duo and the sculptor Przemysław Druszcz. Aflopark has also partnered with Agnieszka Stabro, the author of Igor Mitoraj’s biography, allowing visitors to participate in unique guided walks and meet-and-greets, during which the biographer will discuss not only the artist’s life and work but also the behind-the-scenes story of the book’s creation.