Architectural Entropy: Monika Sosnowska's Distorted Sculptures

Explore Monika Sosnowska's innovative architectural-inspired sculptures.

Monika Sosnowska, a prominent Polish artist, has captivated the art world as one of the most significant sculptors of her generation. Her works, deeply rooted in the architectural transformations of Eastern Europe, challenge conventional perceptions of space and structure. To mark the release of Monika's first limited edition print exclusively available at the Wrong Shop, we delve into her artistic career and innovative use of architectural elements. Keep reading or shop the new print here.

Monika Sosnowska's work draws heavily from the architecture of post-war urban modernisation. She lives and works in Warsaw, and her practice takes inspiration from architectural entropy, growing up amidst the rapid structural changes in the Polish city. Monika witnessed the rise of concrete housing estates and urban infrastructures, characterised by their austerity, and often abandoned and neglected. These experiences profoundly influenced her artistic practice. Her sculptures are not mere representations but transformations of architectural elements into abstract forms, stripping them of their original functions and introducing an element of chaos and distortion.

“Stairway” 2010, metal and PVC, courtesy the artist

“I think that the place where an artist lives is influential. The confrontation with reality creates opinions. I wonder if I lived somewhere else, would I create works similar to what I do now? I chose to live in Warsaw because it seemed inspiring to me. There were many reasons why I made that decision, but one of them was Warsaw itself, a very chaotic city growing up very fast on the ruins of modernism, or rather, coexisting in a symbiosis with them. There are a lot of new buildings, but the past is very present as well.” – Monika Sosnowska

Monika's art goes beyond mere physical transformation; it delves into the ideological and political narratives embedded in architectural forms. Her works reflect on the social and psychological impacts of architecture, particularly those from Poland's communist past. By distorting familiar structures, she invites viewers to reconsider the memories and assumptions associated with these spaces. Her fascination with the stages of modernism and the radical use of buildings during the communist era is evident in her pieces, such as "Façade" (2013), a steel skeletal curtain deformed under powerful forces, evoking the tension between innovation and collapse.

A significant aspect of her creative process involves the use of maquettes and paper models. These preliminary works serve as blueprints for her large-scale sculptures. Inspired by found architectural elements, her maquettes are meticulously crafted and later enlarged into full-size installations. This method allows Monika to explore the potential of architectural forms and their transformation into autonomous sculptural identities. The new Monika Sosnowska print at the Wrong Shop, inspired by these paper models, offers a unique glimpse into her creative process, presenting her vision of in a refined, collectible format.

Cahiers d'Art exhibition 2015, focusing on the paper models, courtesy of the artist

Monika Sosnowska's sculptures are a testament to her innovative use of architectural elements and her profound engagement with the socio-political narratives of Eastern Europe. Her ability to transform solid structures into dynamic, abstract forms challenges our perceptions of space and materiality. The exclusive Monika Sosnowska print available at the Wrong Shop is a rare opportunity to own a piece of her visionary art. Explore this limited edition print and bring home a fragment of Sosnowska's architectural artistry.

Purchase our new Monika Sosnowska print now, 'Facade' is a limited edition of 50, only available in out custom black stained oak frame, and exclusively from the Wrong Shop. Continue reading more about Monika here.