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Technique: metal sculpture; mechanically formed steel sheets, cutting, bending, welding
Dimensions: ca. 220 cm (H), 120 cm (W), 120 cm (D)
Object: This abstract spatial composition with an openwork, expressive form is made of steel elements. The sculpture is set on a vertical metal pipe placed directly in the ground with a broad hoop attached to it at the base. Originally, its opening was almost filled with numerous curved metal plates with spiked ends. The long metal elements cross the circle, creating a dynamic composition not unlike a school of fish. This impression is further enhanced by the polished surface of the metal, glistening in the sun. Several similar elements are also outside the circle, in its upper and lower part. The sculpture was acquired by the National Museum in Gdańsk directly from the artist on 28 November 1974. Since 1976, Shoal has formed part of the open-air sculpture exhibition in Oliwa Park. Over the last years, the works has been successively destroyed. Metal elements of the composition have gone missing, most likely dismantled to be sold as scrap metal. The work used to be signed on one of the metal sheet elements.
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:
Zdzisław Koseda (b. 1928 in Bydgoszcz, d. 2013 in Gdynia) studied 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 1958 from Prof. Stanisław Horno-Popławski’s studio. He is the author of intimate and monumental sculpture, e.g. the monument to Joseph Conrad Korzeniowski in Gdynia.
Condition of the object: partially damaged, awaiting renovation and reconstruction
Owner/guardian: The National Museum in Gdańsk
Author of the entry: Andrzej Zagrobelny
Sources:
Index card from the Research Catalogue of Artistic and Artistic/Historical Exhibits, inv. no. MNG/SW/44/RZ
Bibliography:
Galeria Współczesnej Rzeźby Gdańskiej w Parku Oliwskim, J.W. Bradtke, ed., The National Museum in Gdańsk (Gdańsk 1978) [2nd edition, Gdańsk 1989]
Franciszek Mamuszka, “Ekspozycja rzeźby w parku oliwskim”, in ead., Oliwa. Okruchy z dziejów, zabytki (Gdańsk 1985)
Mentions of the artist:
Zofia Watrak, “Rodowody i kontynuacje rzeźby gdańskiej. Mistrzowie i uczniowie gdańskiej uczelni,” in Gdański Rocznik Kulturalny, no. 8 (1985)
Ignacy Witz, Plastycy Wybrzeża (Gdańsk 1969)
Help us build the database of art objects in Gdańsk by filling in the form and adding photographs.
