Dancing on eggshells | Maria Bartuszová in Tate Modern

Dancing on eggshells | Maria Bartuszová in Tate Modern

The work of one of the best-known Slovak artists is on display at London’s legendary contemporary museum.


London’s Tate Modern is one of the world’s most important contemporary art centers, so it’s a remarkable feat to have a solo exhibition in the institution. Although Maria Bartuszová (1936-1996) is no longer alive to see her work exhibited, the retrospective is of major importance for the region as a whole

Photo: Maria Bartuszová, Untitled 1986. © The Archive of Maria Bartuszová, Košice. Courtesy of Alison Jacques
Photo: Maria Bartuszová in her studio with sculptures, Košice, Szlovákia, 1987.

The artist, known for her plaster sculptures, was inspired by the organic forms of nature, which she then molded into fragile, delicate shapes using innovative techniques. With archive footage and quotes from the artist, the exhibition also gives an insight into her creative process. Although Bartuszová’s sculptures can be found in major museums such as the Centre Pompidou in Paris, this is the largest exhibition since 2005 to focus exclusively on her.

Photo: Maria Bartuszová, Model for fountain outside the Dragov department store, Košice, 1984. Courtesy of The Estate of Maria Bartuszová, Košice, and Alison Jacques, London

Maria Bartuszová
Tate Modern, London, UK
Open to visitors until 16 April 2023
Further information: tate.org.uk

Cover Photo: Maria Bartuszová, Untitled 1985. © The Archive of Maria Bartuszová, Košice. Tate, Courtesy of The Estate of Maria Bartuszová, Košice, and Alison Jacque, London