Marianna Grabska

born 1994, Gdańsk

Fifth year student at Faculty of Sculpture and Intermedia of Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk. Winner of a scholarship from Ministry of Culture and National Heritage (2018). She took part, among others, in 16th International Triennial of Tapestry (2019) and in 5th edition of Young Wolves Festival (2018). She creates sculptures, objects, and installations. She deals with socially engaged art.

“I Won’t Pretend I’m not Here”, 2018
ceramics, puzzles, children’s chair

“Take responsibility for the face of the world. The symbols of today enable the reality of tomorrow. Notice the swastikas and the other signs of hate. Do not look away, and do not get used to them. Remove them yourself and set an example for others to do so.”
Timothy Snyder, “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century”, 2017

Marianna Grabska placed ARTE ET MARTE (by skill and by weapon) inscription against the background of a fragment of “Racławice Panorama” in the form of a puzzle, juxtaposing it with rocking (Pegasus?) horses and a children’s chair. The space of a child’s room and children’s creation is dangerously associated with “games” of adults – which further emphasises the reference to hussars or an overturned piece of furniture. The artist “plays” with national symbols, asking the question about the role of art in fight against the dangers of modern world as promised by the title: “I Won’t Pretend I’m not Here”.