The Sculptresses examines the relationships between women and their interconnectedness through embodiment and a living archive. Inspired by 19th-century pioneers in the field of sculpture, who understood sisterhood as a creation force, the performance fuses power dynamics, independence and intimacy, thus opening space to find a balance between the collective and individual in the context of women’s bodies.

The Sculptresses are a living archive that explores the relationships between women in all of their interconnectedness and individuality. Inspired by pioneering 19th-century female sculptors such as T. Certowicz, H. Bertaux, A. Rożniatowska and others, the performance draws on their understanding of sisterhood as a valuable creative force. The performers transform their bodies into objects, interacting with each other to create new sculptures. In the process, they combine power dynamics with elements of independence, eroticism, and gymnastics.

The Sculptresses is not only about physicality, but, more importantly, the constant search for balance between sisterhood and individual voices. It is an invitation to participate in the act of creation and a celebration of women’s collective endeavours that reshape the boundaries between the artistic and the personal, the intimate and the public.

The Sculptresses and Sisterhood Practice were among the dance projects selected for the prestigious European Aerowaves Twenty24.

Running time: 50 minutes
The performance will take place in English.

A short presentation of the National Gallery is planned as part of the performance.

Credits

Choreography: Weronika Pelczyńska, Magda Fejdasz

Performance: Dana Chmielewska, Monika Szpunar

Production: National Museum in Warsaw

Production managers: Marta Szymańska, Karolina Wróblewska-Leśniak

Music: Natan Kryszk

Sound recording: Aleksander Żurowski

Costumes: Monika Nyckowska, Agnieszka Oryńska

Dramaturgical collaboration: Alicja Czyczel

Site-specific collaboration: Aleks Borys

Partner: Center in Motion

The festival is co-organized by the Adam Mickiewicz Institute as part of the international cultural program of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2025 and Co-financed by the Polish Ministry of Culture and National Heritage.

Bio

Weronika Pelczyńska and Magda Fejdasz are Warsaw-based performers and choreographers. Together, they form an artistic tandem based on the principle of sisterhood. In collaboration with other artists, they initiate projects that not only embody but also redefine the concept of sisterhood through performance art and innovative dance practices. Their work focuses on fostering a collective artistic vision while providing a space for the expression of individual voices. Their work has also focused on commemorating and acknowledging the contributions of women sculptors whose work has been neglected in art history and in the broader social context. The sisterhood practice they cultivate has become a platform for women artists to challenge authoritarian models of leadership and open up spaces for dialogue and collaboration. In this way, their work not only celebrates the principle of female creativity, but also promotes innovative and collective approaches in the arts.

The Sculptresses was created at the invitation of the National Museum in Warsaw to accompany the first exhibition of works by Polish and foreign sculptresses titled Corsets Off: Camille Claudel and Polish Women Sculptors of the 19th Century.