Sculpture in Poland has shaped its rich and diverse history over centuries, transcending the boundaries of time and space, and creating a significant art form. Its roots can be traced back to pre-Christian times when stone statues and reliefs served as expressions of religious and mythological beliefs. During the Middle Ages, sacral sculpture played a crucial role, adorning churches and monasteries throughout Poland.
During the Renaissance, sculpture flourished under the influence of Italian masters, with works such as tomb sculptures becoming commonplace in Polish cathedrals and churches. The Baroque period brought further development to sacral sculpture, but also opened new possibilities for artists who experimented with allegorical sculptures and portraits.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, despite political difficulties associated with the partitions and occupations, sculpture primarily developed in the realm of applied arts and architecture. Some artists, however, attempted to create works with patriotic themes as a form of resistance against the occupiers.
In the 20th century, Polish sculpture underwent various stages, from the influences of modernism to abstraction and avant-garde movements. Despite the period of socialist realism, when sculpture was subordinated to communist ideology, many valuable works expressing deep emotions and thoughts of artists were created.
After the political transformation in 1989, sculpture in Poland began to regain its full freedom of expression. Contemporary artists address diverse topics, from social to political and ecological issues, creating works for both public spaces and galleries/museums. Their works reflect a diversity of styles and techniques, encompassing traditional, realistic approaches as well as innovative, experimental ones.
Examples of renowned Polish sculptors, such as Stanisław Wyspiański, Xawery Dunikowski, Magdalena Abakanowicz, Alina Szapocznikow, and Igor Mitoraj, constitute a rich contribution to the history and culture of sculpture in Poland. Their works inspire and captivate, leaving a lasting mark on the Polish artistic and cultural landscape.
Genowefa Nowak, a sculptor, educator, and scout, was born in Terliczka near Rzeszów on October 30, 1927, and passed away in Krakow on June 8, 1981. She was described as “not obvious” due to the deep content and multidimensionality of her works. Her sculptures, sensitive to human suffering and the injustices of the world, are full of symbolism and profound meaning, often hidden beneath a seemingly simple form. Nowak drew inspiration from the words of Cyprian Kamil Norwid, aiming to express truth and protest against war, human suffering, and all forms of evil.
In March 2023, an exhibition of Genowefa Nowak’s works took place at the Center for Culture and Art in Łąka, attracting the attention of many art enthusiasts. During the vernissage, guests had the opportunity to delve into the rich message of the artist, which resonated in her sculptures. In the CKiS Auditorium, under the patronage of the Mayor of Trzebownisko Municipality – Lesław Kuźniar, and in the presence of Jaromir Kwiatkowski, the author of a book about the artist, and prof. Józef Murzyn from the Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Genowefa Nowak’s works were presented to the public.
Nowak’s works, manifesting her deep thoughts and feelings, address the theme of evil and injustice, becoming an important voice of opposition against all forms of human suffering. Her sculptures are like multi-layered puzzles, gradually uncovered, with each revealing new meaning.
The vernissage of this exceptional exhibition was an opportunity to immerse oneself in the artist’s world, understand her message, and admire her talent. Thanks to the dedication and care for Genowefa Nowak’s legacy, her works remain an important element of contemporary Polish art, inspiring reflection on the condition of humanity. Moreover, a collection of eight sculptures by Genowefa Nowak has been permanently housed in the Center for Culture and Art, symbolically bringing the artist back to her roots. They can be admired daily during the center’s opening hours, where they have found their honorable place in the Art Library.
