The Devil 1960

Alina Szapocznikow's "The Devil" (1960) is a striking abstract sculpture crafted from plaster. The work depicts a vaguely humanoid form, elongated and contorted, with a sharp, pointed head and a hollowed-out chest. Szapocznikow's sculptures are often characterized by their exploration of the human body, its vulnerability, and its relationship to death and decay. The rough, textured surface of "The Devil" contributes to this unsettling effect, suggesting a body in a state of transformation or decomposition. This work exemplifies Szapocznikow's unique artistic voice, which combined surrealism, expressionism, and a poignant focus on existential themes.