The Old Mine Science and Art Centre in Wałbrzych, in collaboration with All That Art Foundation in Wrocław, is hosting the Magdalena Abakanowicz: Presence, Essence, Identity exhibition. Curated by Maria Rus Bojan, this retrospective showcases a selection of Abakanowicz's sculptures from the 1970s to the 2000s, including rare monumental works displayed outdoors. Abakanowicz gained international recognition in the 1960s for her experimental fibre sculptures called Abakans, which challenged traditional notions of sculpture by transforming tapestries into dynamic, tactile forms. Her work explores the relationship between humanity and the natural world, raising essential and universal questions about art and human experience.

The exhibition at the Old Mine Centre for Science and Art provides a comprehensive overview of Abakanowicz's career, featuring key works that revolve around themes of freedom, loss, resurrection, destruction, identity, and difference. With over 100 sculptures on display, the exhibition aims to deepen our understanding of the artist's exploration of Presence, Essence, and Identity, and how she revolutionized the history of sculpture through constant reinvention. This presentation follows the success of the 2017 Wrocław exhibition, Effigies of Life: A tribute to Magdalena Abakanowicz, and celebrates the collaboration and friendship between Abakanowicz and curator Marius Hermansdorfer.

The works in the exhibition come from various collections, including the artist's private collection, Irmina Nazar and Artur Trawinski collection, MARe Collection, and NOWA 20_21 Collection. This retrospective takes place in an unusual industrial and public space, adding a unique dimension to the viewing experience. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to engage with Abakanowicz's thought-provoking sculptures and appreciate her lifelong commitment to pushing the boundaries of art.