Tate Modern Exhibition

Maria Bartuszová

Maria Bartuszová

Maria Bartuszová, Untitled 1985, Tate,  Presented by the Estate of Maria Bartuszová and Alison Jacques, London, 2018  © The Archive of Maria Bartuszová, Košice. Courtesy of The Estate of Maria Bartuszová, Košice, and Alison Jacques, London

Delicate, evocative plaster sculptures inspired by the natural world

Bringing together many works rarely exhibited before in the UK, this survey exhibition will highlight the abstract sculptures of Prague-born Slovak artist Maria Bartuszová.

Bartuszová worked over three decades in Košice, the second-largest city in Slovakia. She created around 500 sculptures, from small organic forms to commissions for public spaces as well as works in the landscape, despite restrictions on her artistic life during this period.

The exhibition starts in the 1960s, when Bartuszová experimented using her own distinctive method of casting plaster by hand. Inspired by playing with her young daughter, she created abstract shapes by pouring plaster into rubber balloons – her signature material was white plaster, giving the sculptures a fragile quality.

She shaped the sculptures by pushing, pulling, or submerging them into water, creating unique and distinct shapes. Some suggest raindrops, seeds or eggs, others the human body. Later, she allowed the balloons to burst, creating delicate works similar to cocoons or nests.

In the 1980s, Bartuszová frequently photographed her works outdoors to emphasise their close ties to nature. The exhibition will also include a selection of these striking images.

Tate Modern

Bankside
London SE1 9TG
Plan your visit

Dates

20 September 2022 – 25 June 2023

  • Advance booking is recommended ​
  • Members enjoy free entry – no need to book, just turn up with your card
  • Open until 22.00 for Tate Modern Lates

Supported by

The Maria Bartuszová Exhibition Supporters Circle

Acquavella Galleries
Alison Jacques
Amy Gold and Brett Gorvy
Chloe Joseph
Danica Matáková
Edward Lee
Wagner Foundation
and those who wish to remain anonymous

Tate Americas Foundation

Tate International Council

and Tate Patrons

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