Headless, cast iron figure from the Vancouver Ancestors series – twenty larger-than-life sculptures created on commission for the Canadian Biennale in Vancouver, cast under the artist's supervision at a foundry in Śrem. Unique marks and individual forms of each sculpture emphasize their individuality despite multiplication. The figure emphasizes the identity of the individual in relation to the crowd, symbolizing opposition and individualization. The Walking Figures motif was explored repeatedly by Abakanowicz using various techniques and materials. The sculpture was exhibited at the Vancouver Biennale and loaned to museums in Montreal and Edmonton.

Portrait of the Creator

  • Artist

    Magdalena Abakanowicz

  • Date of birth and death

    20 June 1930 – 20 April 2017

  • Natinality

    Polish

  • Style

    Postminimalism, Fiber Art, Sculpture, Constructivism influences

  • Significant works

    Agora (2006), Birds of Knowledge of Good and Evil (2001), Abakans (1960s–70s), Crowd I (1986–87)

Information about the work

  • Year:

    2006

  • Execution technique:

    cast iron

  • Location:

    Poland, private collection; Vancouver, Biennale purchase from the artist (2006)

  • Theme:

    a universal story about the human condition, individuality in multiplication, social and individual existence

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The figure, part of a larger series, conveys an emotional message related to the loss of individuality and the simultaneous strength of a single unit in a social crowd, preserving the mystery and mysticism of the artwork.

The key to interpreting the work

When viewing the sculpture, it is worth reflecting on the duality of individuality and anonymity in society and the value of the individual in the context of social mechanisms and history.

Auction information

  • Estimated price:

    2 000 000 - 2 500 000 zł

  • Auction price:

    1 900 000 zł

See other works by this artist

Figures – Black Mannequins, 1972

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 1972
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Standing Figure, 1998

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 1998
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Papillon de nuit, 1977

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 1977
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Bird from the Ucello series, 2009

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 2009
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Bambini, 1998-1999 (83 child figures)

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 1998-1999
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Three Walking Figures (Vancouver Ancestors), 2006

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 2006
Explore

Steel Embryology, 2007 - 2008

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 2007-2008
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Furgon II, 1993

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 1993
Explore

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