Unrecognized

"Unrecognized" is an outdoor sculpture ensemble by Magdalena Abakanowicz, located in the central part of the Citadel in Poznań, near the Museum of Armaments. It consists of 112 cast iron, anthropomorphic figures, each over two meters tall, forming a chaotic group on the surrounding lawn. The figures, lacking heads and hands, appear to be walking in various directions, symbolizing the phenomenon of life and addressing issues such as dignity, courage, and survival. Their presence reflects the dramatic situation of the individual in the context of the modern, technological world. The project was created in the early 21st century and inaugurated in 2002. The initiative for its realization came from Professor Jarosław Maszewski, and the work was funded by the VOX-Artis Foundation and the Foundation for the 750th Anniversary of the Location of the City of Poznań. The sculptures were produced at the Cast Iron Foundry in Śrem, with the collaboration of several experts. In 2011, "Unrecognized" became the backdrop for an artistic provocation by the group The Krasnals, who placed a black cross next to the sculptures, alluding to the political controversy surrounding the so-called Smolensk Cross affair; the cross was removed by the city authorities within a few hours. Abakanowicz's work is not only an important element of Poznań's public space but also a profound commentary on the human condition in the face of modern challenges.