Magdalena Abakanowicz, Exhibition, Tate Britain: 17 November 2022-21 May 2023

Abakanowicz was born in the small city of Falenty and attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw between 1950-54 where she took weaving and textile design classes. During the 1960s, her work gained her a reputation as one of Europe’s most skilful fiber artists- a genre that focuses on fabrics and textiles. 

This exhibition focuses on Abakanowicz’s  famous ‘Akabans’- towering works made from woven fibre that hang from the ceiling, making you feel like you’re walking through a forest. The meaning of the Akabans is intentionally ambiguous and each one varies in size, colour and texture, making you develop your own interpretation of the sculptures. Some of Abakanowicz’s early works from the late 1950s are also on display, so you’ll be able to see her unique style of sewing together different watercolour paintings to portray imaginary plants and animals. 

Although Abakanowicz continued to produce artwork throughout her life, this exhibition focuses on her career during the 50s and 60s, giving you the chance to see the early works of one of the most creative artists of the last century.