Abakan Red 1969

Editor: This is Magdalena Abakanowicz's "Abakan Red," a textile sculpture of massive scale. It really commands the space. What do you make of its presence here in the Tate? Curator: Its imposing size and tactile materiality challenge traditional notions of sculpture. Abakanowicz came of age in postwar Poland, where artistic expression was often politically charged. Do you see echoes of that socio-political context in her choice of materials or form? Editor: I guess the rough texture feels kind of raw, like a wound. Curator: Indeed. Consider also the role of textile art, historically relegated to craft. By elevating it to monumental sculpture, Abakanowicz challenges established hierarchies within the art world itself, demanding a reevaluation of what constitutes "high" art. What has this made you consider about the work? Editor: It's made me think about how art can challenge more than just what we see, but also who gets to decide what's important.