Unrecognized

Magdalena Abakanowicz's "Unrecognized" is a large-scale open-air project featuring 112 anthropomorphic figures made of cast iron. The figures, each over two meters in height, are positioned in a seemingly chaotic formation on the surrounding lawn, with their silhouettes appearing to move in different directions. Despite the lack of heads and hands, these figures still convey a strong message and evoke emotions in viewers.

Photographer Maciej Kulesza describes the figures as "a mythical crowd" that speaks to the issues of life, dignity, courage, and survival. They symbolize the presence of man in today's world, with each figure representing a unique trace of humanity and moving in a different direction. The figures were assembled and unveiled in 2002, initiated by Professor Jarosław Maszewski and funded by the VOX-Artis Foundation.

The creation of the figures was a collaborative effort between Abakanowicz and a team of artists and technicians, including Professor Anna Goebel, Tomasz Piątkowski, and Ryszard Cubal. The figures were produced at the Iron Foundry in Śrem between 2001 and 2002, with additional funding provided by the Foundation for the 750th Anniversary of the Location of the City of Poznań.