There has not been an exhibition like this in Silesia for decades. Nearly 40 sculptures by the most outstanding Polish artists in one place. This is undoubtedly the most important artistic event of the season. The Figuration – Transformations exhibition will be made up of beautiful objects at their best. The works of several dozen legends of Polish sculpture will appear in Rybnik for the first time! We can be proud of it – this unique exhibition is the result of a fruitful partnership between the River Art Gallery and the Centre of Polish Sculpture in Orońsko.

The exhibition presents figuration as one of the most legible and at the same time universal languages of art – telling the story of man, his body, emotions, condition and history. To be enthralled, no specialist knowledge is necessary – just openness and a moment’s attention. The sculptures on display are made in marble, wood, bronze or metal – works deeply rooted in tradition, but carrying a surprisingly contemporary message.

Among the authors, we find true icons: Władysław Hasior, Xawery Dunikowski, Maria Pinińska-Bereś, Adam Myjak, Antoni Rząza, Gustaw Zemła, Barbara Zbrożyna, Barbara Falender, Stanisław Kulon, Jacek Waltosia and many others. It is a rarity to have so many recognised names in a joint exhibition, in one space.

The exhibition Figuration – Transformations was created thanks to close cooperation with the Centre for Polish Sculpture in Orońsko, an institution of national and international scope that has been collecting and promoting the most important phenomena in Polish sculpture for more than 40 years. The selection of works that have found their way to the Rzeczna Gallery is the essence of this oeuvre – from the inter-war period, through the post-war classics, to the art of the late 20th century. The strength of this exhibition lies in its form, meaning and accessibility. For art lovers – a must-see of the season. For every viewer – a unique opportunity to encounter sculpture that has truly spoken for decades.

The exhibition is curated by Dr Jarosław Pajek.

* Figuration – an artistic trend that refers to representations of recognisable forms – primarily the human body. Figurative art tells the story of man – his emotions, relationships, experiences – through the outline of a silhouette, gesture, face or figure. Not always in a realistic way – often symbolic, transformed or even grotesque.

The exhibition will feature works by the authors, listed alphabetically below:

Agata Agatowska
Andrzej Bednarczyk
Bronisław Chromy
Jan Cykowski
Xawery Dunikowski
Barbara Falender
Jerzy Grygorczuk
Władysław Hasior
Krystyn Jarnuszkiewicz
Józef Kaliszan
Mieczysław Kałużny
Alfons Karny
Jan Kucz
Stanisław Kulon
Konstanty Laszczka
Tadeusz Łodziana
Jerzy Mizera
Adam Myjak
Sławoj Ostrowski
Antoni Janusz Pastwa
Andrzej Pawłowski
Maria Pinińska-Bereś
Adam Procki
Antoni Rząsa
Stanisław Słonina
Wanda Sokołowska-Majerska
Ludmiła Stehnova
Wacław Szymanowski
Janusz Tkaczuk
Jacek Waltoś
Jan Stanisław Wojciechowski
Antonina Wysocka-Jonczak
August Zamoyski
Barbara Zbrożyna
Kazimierz Gustaw Zemła

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