Magdalena Abakanowicz
MAGDALENA ABAKANOWICZ "UNTITLED" 1982
Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930-2017) was an acclaimed Polish artist, best known for her powerful sculptures and large-scale installations, often crafted from fiber-based materials such as burlap, sisal, and wool.
In the 1960s, Abakanowicz radically redefined textile art, a medium that was traditionally perceived as craft-oriented and feminine. During this era, the artist introduced "Abakans," a series of monumental hanging fiber sculptures. Constructed in biomorphic shapes, the sculptures enveloped their surroundings, draping and enclosing within space to create an immersive, multi-sensory experience.
As her career evolved, the artist embraced figuration in sculpture, playing a key role in the revival of this genre in the late twentieth century. Abakanowicz's figuration is raw, emotional, and intense. Often omitting or isolating body parts, her work evokes a sense of collective vulnerability and disconnection while challenging traditional representations of the human form. There is a consistent austerity or frightful aesthetic in her work. The artist is frequently referencing her dark experiences growing up in Poland during WWII and then the Soviet era of communism and repression.
In this work, a mask or skull-like figure is suspended amidst vast, negative space. The form hovers between figuration and abstraction, its ambiguity intensified by expressive sweeps of charcoal that have been vigorously layered, blurred, and erased.
We recommend visiting the Tate's website for an excellent timeline of the artist's life and career.
Today, Abakanowicz's work is held in prestigious collections across the globe, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), the Tate (London), and the Centre Pompidou (Paris).
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720.
Visit our Toronto gallery on Thursdays or by appointment.
"Untitled"
1982
Mixed media on paper
Signed and dated by the artist, lower margin
39"H 29.5"W (work)
45"H 35.5"W (framed)
Very good condition.
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.