Dorota NIEZNALSKA (b. 1973), Patrons, Anna Maria, 2021

patinated bronze; 19 x 17 cm;
tiara placed in author's box lined with red
velvet, with author's printed sticker on bottom: Dorota Nieznalska
/ Patronesses, Anna Maria 2021 / patinated bronze / ex.: 1/1 unique /.
D. Nieznalska [handwritten signature].

Dorota Nieznalska's series of "Patronesses" sculptures are objects in the form of a tiara, a thorny
bands, which are here the equivalent of the male crown of thorns, dedicated to
women and the events of 2020 (Black March), according to the
author unacceptably restricting their rights of self-determination
and interfering with human rights. This is definitely a message
symbolic in the Polish context.
The motif of a crown, wreath or band of thorns has been explored by the artist
since 2005, when she created a poster design for the competition My Life,
My Decision, organized by the Federation for Women and Family Planning
Family - the placard shows a female body entwined at the waist with barbed wire.
Other realizations using one of the elements of "arma Christi"
are "Mystic Wreath", "King and Queen of Poland" realized in 2008,
Where, in the case of the sculpture / installation "Queen of Poland", the spikes were made
of polished amber. In 2009 the artist prepared the object
"Red K." repeating the motif already known from the previously mentioned installation
using this time polished natural coral. In 2010
Dorota Nieznalska produced sculptures from the "Garlands" series, which under the suggestive
youth, vitality, innocence or hope of young women, the title
took the form of thorn bands that fit on a human head.