HORIZONTAL AND WALL SCULPTURES
The Horizontal Sculptures collection is a captivating display of minimalist artistry, crafted from high-quality stoneware and finished with individually designed glazing recipes. This unique series reflects a deep connection to architecture, industrial design, and a personal homage to the landscape and history of Upper Silesia.
At the heart of this collection is the profound influence of architecture, particularly the forms and structures that define the 20th century. The pieces in the Horizontal Sculptures series feature broad, expansive volumes that are oriented along a central axis. The bent and curved forms inject a sense of dynamism into each sculpture, while the rounded edges and sharply cut walls accentuate their contemporary, industrial aesthetic. The series is a tribute to the architecture of the 20th century, specifically postmodernism, which holds a deep place in my heart. The designs resonate with the industrial landscape of Upper Silesia, a region with a rich history of industrial heritage. It is in this intersection of architecture and landscape that the Horizontal Sculptures truly find their voice, expressing my personal connection to the raw beauty of industrial design.
One standout piece from this collection is the Model P4 sculpture, which diverges from the rest by drawing direct inspiration from the former Forum Hotel in Krakow, a brutalist icon. This building, once a symbol of the city’s mid-century architectural landscape, became an important reference for me. The hotel, with its stark, somber forms and raw, unfinished concrete, became a key inspiration for the Model P4 sculpture. The Forum Hotel, a striking example of brutalism, was more than just a structure—it was an aesthetic fascination for me, particularly during my student years. The building's form and presence made a lasting impression, and its influence is evident in the sculpture's strong, angular shapes and minimalist design. The Horizontal series could not be complete without this direct tribute to the Forum Hotel, an emblematic piece of brutalist architecture in Krakow.
While the Model P4 represents a specific building, the other sculptures in the collection take on a more abstract approach. These pieces are poetic expressions of form, inspired by the work of 20th-century architects and the brutalist movement. However, they are not tied to any particular object, unlike Model P4, but rather reflect the broader architectural and design currents that influenced my vision. The primary concept behind the sculptures was to breathe lightness and dynamism into heavy, oppressive forms. By stripping away unnecessary elements, I focused on the essence of each piece—its core form and expression. This minimalist approach allows viewers to interpret the sculptures in their own way, offering a space for personal connection and reflection.
Stoneware was the natural choice of medium for this collection, given its density and the austerity it brings to the sculptures. The rough, minimalist shapes are complemented perfectly by the volcanic, uniform glaze that highlights the subtle bends and sharp edges of each piece. The cool, tactile nature of the glaze adds a layer of solidity and quality, reinforcing the sculptures' industrial aesthetic. Each piece was meticulously designed with its own unique glaze, often custom-created for the individual sculpture. The glaze is not just a surface finish but a key element of the sculpture’s identity, contributing to its overall visual impact and tactile experience.
The Horizontal Sculptures collection is more than just a series of artworks; it is a profound exploration of the relationship between architecture, design, and industrial heritage. With a nod to brutalist architecture and the influences of great 20th-century architects, these sculptures challenge conventional ideas of form, offering a dialogue between the past and the present. Through its minimalist forms, dynamic structures, and meticulously crafted glazes, the collection invites viewers to engage with the essence of industrial design and the beauty of raw, unrefined materials. Whether drawing inspiration from a specific building or engaging in a more abstract expression of architectural ideas, the Horizontal Sculptures collection stands as a testament to the power of form and the enduring influence of architecture.