“Extreme” sculpture

Technique: metal sculpture; mechanically formed steel sheets, cutting, bending, welding

Dimensions: 240 cm (H), 135 cm (W), 115 cm (D)

Object: This abstract spatial composition made of steel sheets is composed of eight double outward curved arcs placed vertically on an elliptical plan, with one additional arc in the centre. The elements are joined using vertical bars and horizontal connectors that link the spherical structure. The steel arcs, which get narrower towards the ends, emphasize the soaring nature of the composition. The openwork form is set on a base in the shape of an elongated, homogenous steel box measuring 60 × 110 × 30 cm, which represents an integral part of the work. The sculpture was acquired by the National Museum in Gdańsk directly from the artist on 28 November 1974. Since 1976, Extreme has formed part of the open-air sculpture exhibition in Oliwa Park. The work is signed on top of the box, in the right corner: “Czesław Ciesielski 1974”.

Place: The sculpture is integrated into the natural landscape of the northern part of the Adam Mickiewicz Park in Oliwa. It forms part of the Gallery of Contemporary Gdańsk Sculpture from the collection of the National Museum in Gdańsk, created on the initiative of the Museum, the District Board of the Association of Polish Artists and Designers (ZPAP) and the City Council. The outdoor gallery, showcasing works by artists from different generations, was officially opened on 30 March 1976.

Information about the author: Czesław Ciesielski (b. 1933 in Wielki Komorsk, d. 1990 in Gdynia) completed the Secondary Art School in Gdynia, before moving on to study at the Faculty of Sculpture of the State School of Visual Arts (PWSSP) in Gdańsk – the present-day Academy of Fine Arts. He graduated in 1959 from Prof. Alfred Wiśniewski’s studio. The artist worked with granite, wood and metal, creating sculptures with simplified, synthetic forms. He participated in several sculpture competitions: in 1967, he received a mention of honour for his design of the Majdanek Sculpture and in 1975 he won the design competition for the Heraldic Fountain in Gdynia. The artist’s works can be found, among others, in collections of the National Museum in Gdańsk and Szczecin, the L. Wyczółkowski Museum in Bydgoszcz and public collections of the Gdańsk Voivoideship Office and Gdynia City Council.

Condition of the object: awaiting renovation

Owner/guardian: The National Museum in Gdańsk

Author of the entry: Andrzej Zagrobelny