Although her name may not be widely known today, Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930–2017) remains one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. A pioneer of installation art, Abakanowicz successfully transformed a craft into a true art form. She received international acclaim for her sculptures, addressed issues that still resonate today and created an impressive body of work that continues to inspire many artists. Next spring, Brabant will tell the full story of this godmother of installation art. From 18 April to 24 August 2025, her monumental creations – including the largest piece she ever made – will be on display at TextielMuseum Tilburg, Het Noordbrabants Museum and, continuously, at Provinciehuis Noord-Brabant.
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This is the first time that Magdalena Abakanowicz’s work has been on show on such a large scale in the Netherlands. In 2022, Tate Modern held a solo exhibition of her work, and institutions like MoMA and Tate include her pieces in their collections. Thanks to a unique collaboration, the Netherlands can now provide Abakanowicz with the platform she truly deserves. As Jacqueline Grandjean, director of Het Noordbrabants Museum, states: ‘Through her art, Magdalena Abakanowicz initiated a landslide in the 1970s. At three locations in Brabant, we will allow the ground to tremble beneath her impressive monumental art installations. In doing so, we not only pay tribute to her legacy but also shed new light on her groundbreaking work.’
Magdalena Abakanowicz by Marek Holzman, copyright estate Marek Holzman, the Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz-Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation
Impressive and Eclectic
In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, Abakanowicz gained international acclaim and admiration. She was among the first artists to transform the traditional tapestry – revived in the 1950s and 1960s – into a three-dimensional object, bringing it off the exhibition wall and into the exhibition space. She crafted abstract, monumental forms – often several meters high – that were so innovative that no established term existed for them at the time. They were known as Abakans, after Abakanowicz herself. She created installation art at a time when the medium was not yet recognized. Her impressive and eclectic oeuvre has profoundly influenced the development of modern and contemporary art. It is high time to reintroduce the Dutch public to the work of this extraordinary artist. ‘The joint organization of this exhibition allows us to showcase a selection of the most important works ever produced by Magdalena Abakanowicz and to offer new perspectives on it,’ says Jochem Otten, director of TextielMuseum Tilburg.
Textile as a Sculptural Medium
For a long time, textile was not considered a material suitable for the creation of autonomous art. At best, it was seen as appropriate for crafts, applied art, decorative art, or even fibre or textile art. The fact that many of the artists involved were women significantly influenced this perception. Several artists – most of them women – transformed the craft into a recognized art form, marking a crucial development for textiles as a medium. Abakanowicz is one of the most important pioneers of this emancipation, making TextielMuseum Tilburg the ideal venue to share this story.
Topical Themes
Abakanowicz created her work in the final days of the Second World War and during the subsequent Russian repression that affected much of Eastern Europe. Today, we find ourselves in a similar era where past struggles between East and West are resurfacing, prompting us to reflect on her art once more. In 1971, Abakanowicz attended a gathering of the Club of Rome, where their forecasts about climate change profoundly impacted her. From that point on, she dedicated herself to the restoration of both humanity and nature. In her time, it took an atomic bomb and a moon landing for people to recognize the fragility of our environment.
Combined with Contemporary Art
At Het Noordbrabants Museum, Abakanowicz’s work will be linked to recent world history and current events and her work will be shown alongside that of contemporary artists such as Anish Kapoor, Kimsooja, Diana Thater, Marlene Dumas and Kader Attia. The programme also features a specially commissioned dance performance by choreographer Nicole Beutler, inspired by the themes of the artist’s work, and the premiere of a new film by Kristina Benjocki and Stijn Verhoeff, inspired by Abakanowicz’s life and work.
The Largest Work in the World
To fully appreciate Abakanowicz’s oeuvre, a visit to the Provinciehuis in ’s-Hertogenbosch is essential. This is where her largest and most monumental work is kept: Bois le Duc (1970-1971). This site-specific, three-dimensional installation, created for the Bois le Duc Hall, consists of 19 woven strips, each over 7 m high and 22 m wide. Abakanowicz’s work fascinated architect Maaskant, who had discovered her art at the Lausanne Biennale. While the Hall itself is usually not open to the public, a special programme will accompany the exhibitions to broaden access and understanding of the work. Initiatives include guided tours, a film and an international symposium.
- TextielMuseum: Magdalena Abakanowicz - Everything is made of fiber
- Het Noordbrabants Museum: Magdalena Abakanowicz - Human Nature
For more information, visit our joint website: grootsinbrabant.nl.
Generous Support
The program of exhibitions and activities is generously supported by Abakanowicz Arts and Culture Charitable Foundation, Adam Mickiewicz Institute, Arriva, ASML x Brabant C, Blockbusterfonds, CANPACK, Central Museum of Textiles Lodz, Cultuurfonds/Barbas-van der Klauw Fonds, Embassy of the Polish Republic, Gemeente ’s-Hertogenbosch, Gemeente Tilburg, Mondriaan Fonds, Provincie Noord-Brabant, The Marta Magdalena Abakanowicz-Kosmowska and Jan Kosmowski Foundation, and VriendenLoterij.
About TextielMuseum
Located in a former textile factory, TextielMuseum Tilburg is a dynamic and creative museal enterprise. It’s the only place in the world where design, art, fashion, heritage and textile innovation come together. The combination of inspiring exhibitions, educational programmes and the specialized TextielLab for textile production and innovation makes the museum unique in its kind.
About Het Noordbrabants Museum
At Het Noordbrabants Museum, we strive to create moments of happiness for our visitors. Although Van Gogh and Hieronymus Bosch are our forerunners, we are equally dedicated to showcasing contemporary talents. These artists can surprise, fascinate and challenge our perspectives. Art and history ignite excitement, foster dialogue and offer new insights, sometimes even provoking unsettling thoughts. We don’t just present art; we invite you to share your reflections and interpretations.