September 9, 2022 – October 22, 2022
The fleshy, sensual shapes stamped to a greater or lesser degree by allusions to male, female, or androgynous sexuality appeared in Maria Pinińska-Bereś’s art in the early 1960s. Educated in the studio of one of Poland’s foremost Modernist sculptors — Xawery Dunikowski —, she initially grappled with this libidinal imaginarium, using solid sculpting materials (cement) and forms (rotundas, stele). Their claims to timeless value, their emotional distance and monumental gravity, were disavowed by the artist, or rather queered, by adding “inappropriate” accessories: quilt bases, apron made from the same material, with holes cut for the woman’s breasts etc. Over time, the cement and sculpted forms gave way to media that had formerly been merely accessories. The artist used them to build scenes where she could openly, “shamelessly” display her feminine desires.
(Jarosław Suchan)
For their support and valuable cooperation we would like to thank Maria Pinińska-Bereś and Jerzy Bereś Foundation, Kraków; MOCAK Museum of Contemporary Art, Kraków; Starmach Gallery, Kraków; Jacek-Malczewski-Museum, Radomiu and The approach, London.The exhibition takes place on the occasion of curated by 2022.