Celebrating Magdalena Abakanowicz:

The artist belonged to a generation whose childhood ended with the outbreak of World War II.

In a blog post on Tuesday (20 June), Google explained the cognition behind Abakanowicz’s Doodle, writing: “Is it a tapestry or a sculpture? Magdalena Abakanowicz’s figures of woven fibre broke the mold when she pioneered a new category of art known as Abakans.

“Today’s Doodle celebrates the Polish sculptor and multi-element artist.”

Abakanowicz graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw in 1954. Her career as a sculptor kicked off when she created a series of soft sculptures called Abakans.

They reportedly earned her the top prize at the 1965 São Paulo International Art Biennale.

Abakanowicz also went on to win many more awards during her career. She won the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Sculpture Center in New Jersey, an award for Distinction in Sculpture from the Sculpture Center in New York, and the Commander Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta in Poland.

After a point, Abakanowicz’s art became inspired by the “human condition.”

According to Google’s blog post, “the artist was inspired by ‘The Crowd’ sociological phenomenon – the idea that crowds act as a whole and individuals lose their individuality within it.

“Taking this idea, Abakanowicz began to create more than a thousand figures, or rather, human trunks, over the years.”

To this date, one of her collections called Agora, which is a group of 106 iron cast figures, is permanently installed at Chicago’s Grant Park.

Many museums and exhibitions across Europe, the Americas, Japan, and Australia have featured Abakanowicz’s work.

According to Google, “her rich body of artwork is now under the care of the Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation, based in Warsaw.”

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On what would have been her 93rd birthday, the late and esteemed Polish sculptor, Magdalena Abakanowicz, receives a poignant tribute through a captivating Google Doodle. This remarkable artist belonged to a generation whose innocence was shattered by the outbreak of World War II, an event that would shape her artistic journey and profound perspective.

In a heartfelt blog post, Google illuminates the inspiration behind Abakanowicz's groundbreaking Doodle, recognizing her as the pioneer of a new art form known as Abakans. Her innovative figures, woven with intricate fibers, defied categorization, blurring the lines between tapestry and sculpture. Today, we honor this visionary Polish sculptor and multi-element artist through a mesmerizing Doodle.

Abakanowicz's artistic journey began at the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw, where she honed her craft and graduated in 1954. It was during this time that her sculptural career blossomed with the creation of her iconic soft sculptures called Abakans. These distinctive works garnered significant acclaim, earning her the prestigious top prize at the 1965 São Paulo International Art Biennale, setting the stage for her influential career.

Throughout her illustrious journey, Abakanowicz continued to receive numerous accolades and honors. The International Sculpture Center in New Jersey bestowed upon her the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Sculpture Center in New York recognized her with the Award for Distinction in Sculpture. Additionally, her exceptional contributions to Polish culture were recognized with the Commander Cross with Star of the Order of Polonia Restituta.

As her artistry evolved, Abakanowicz became deeply inspired by the intricate tapestry of the "human condition." Captivated by the sociological phenomenon of "The Crowd," she explored the notion that within a collective, individuals relinquish their distinct identities. Drawing from this concept, Abakanowicz embarked on an awe-inspiring endeavor, crafting over a thousand figures, or rather, human trunks, over the course of her career.

One of her most iconic collections, Agora, consisting of 106 iron cast figures, now stands as a permanent installation in Chicago's Grant Park, inviting introspection and contemplation among passersby. Abakanowicz's profound impact extends far beyond a single location, with her works showcased in museums and exhibitions across Europe, the Americas, Japan, and Australia. Her artistic legacy, a testament to her creative genius, is now lovingly preserved under the care of the Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation in Warsaw.

Through the Google Doodle honoring Magdalena Abakanowicz on her 93rd birthday, we celebrate a visionary artist who fearlessly pushed the boundaries of art. Her woven figures and sculptural masterpieces continue to evoke awe and introspection, reminding us of the profound beauty that can emerge from the depths of human expression. Today, we pay tribute to a trailblazer whose work transcends time and leaves an indelible mark on the art world's canvas.