A group of headless, cast iron figures, part of the set of twenty Vancouver Ancestors sculptures cast under the artist's supervision in Śrem. Each figure is unique, with individual marks and shapes. The Walking Figures motif used repeatedly by Abakanowicz, inspired by the 'Agora' installation in Chicago. The figures were used during the Vancouver Biennale from 2005 to 2007 and have been exhibited in various locations in Vancouver, also loaned to museums in Montreal and Edmonton. Currently, five sculptures from the original installation are on display at the Vancouver Biennale 2018-2021.

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:

    Vancouver, Biennale (purchased from the artist in 2006)

  • Theme:

    The motif of walking figures, an analysis of human existence and individuality through a group of anonymous figures

Internal Narrative and Creative Framework

  • Inner Narrative

    The sculptures represent a universal story about the human condition, expressing tension between individuality and anonymity in social space. They create a dialogue with the space that viewers enter and observe from within.

The key to interpreting the work

Despite the lack of heads, the figures carry a strong message of being present and walking through time and space. They can be interpreted as a metaphor for the life of individuals in a social context and their mutual relationships.

Auction information

  • Estimated price:

    3 500 000 - 5 000 000 zł

  • Auction price:

    3 500 000 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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Walking Figure (Vancouver Ancestors), 2006

  • Artist: Magdalena Abakanowicz
  • Year: 2006
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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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