Anna Orbaczewska

Orbaczewska’s stove emits noticeable heat. The warmth, obviously associated with this kind of device, sits in stark contrast to the content of the decorations. On the one hand, there is a kind of reference to “household” and “home”, which usually brings to mind safety, being together, caring for the family. Following a closer look, we see that this object challenges the culturally entrenched ideals. Orbaczewska’s works, including the object described here, can be considered as a discussion with traditional motifs and forms of art or craftsmanship that strengthen stereotypical images, or even the setups of relationships between men and women, marriage and parenthood. Based on a stark contrast between the carrier of tradition and what challenges it, her work becomes a voice of cultural change, softening the boundaries of roles in relationships and introducing new ways of understanding family relationships.

• Object type:
  ceramic stove
• Year:
  2021
• Dimensions:
  194×56×78,5 cm
• inv. no.:
  MNG/NOMUS/56/D
• Własność:
  Artist's deposit in the collection of the National Museum in Gdańsk (NOMUS / New Art Museum)