The “Abakanowicz. No Rules” exhibition held in the Wawel Royal Gardens showcases the artist’s work in a new and non-obvious manner, departing from the conventional way of presenting Magdalena Abakanowicz’s pieces, which are usually displayed in galleries and park spaces. The sculptures made of bronze – a material more durable and lasting than life itself – surrounded by the greenery of the Wawel Castle gardens, emerge from among the oleanders, looking pensive against the backdrop of the ramparts, almost floating into the sky. Similar pieces placed in groups or standing on their own silently take over and occupy the area of the hill, thus reshaping it as a place of contemplation, escapism and oblivion.

The juxtaposition of early art, Renaissance architecture, the castle garden and the works by one of the most prominent Polish sculptors of the 20th century opens up new possibilities for interpreting her oeuvre. It presents the figures to contemporary audiences, so that they can interact with them in this extraordinary environment and see them through the prism of their own experiences and sensations. The artist herself defined her own identity through her relationship with the artwork, other people and the way they perceived the sculptures and fabrics.

Exhibition in cooperation with Starmach Gallery and Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation is available at Wawel in Cracow from April 25 to September 28, 2025.

Read more: https://wawel.krakow.pl/en/exhibition-temporary/abakanowicz-no-rules