Concrete is a material that has been known for hundreds of years. It was popular as early as antiquity but has only gained recognition in modern times due to its extraordinary construction possibilities and unlimited shaping potential. In the 20th century, concrete was particularly popular in architecture and sculpture. The freedom of moulding this material offered enormous possibilities for shaping both small objects and large spatial complexes. In modernist architecture and monumental sculpture, the properties of this material were fondly displayed, capitalising on its colours and textures.

The years after World War Two, both in Europe and Poland, generated an interest in concrete and led to its wide use. The lecture will show the possibilities offered by this unusual material and will include examples of architectural and sculptural projects created in the People's Republic of Poland.

Prof. Piotr Marciniak is an architect, urban planner, architectural historian, and educator. He lectures on architecture, history of architecture and conservation of monuments at the Faculty of Architecture of the Poznan University of Technology. He is the author of more than a hundred publications and books and co-author of a number of architectural projects. His research interests focus on contemporary architecture in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, protection of cultural and technological heritage, architecture of national and ethnic minorities, cross-border and intercultural determinants of protecting contemporary architectural heritage.

Monika Sosnowska’s works titled Concrete are the starting point for educational activities and events. They were purchased for the Arsenał Municipal Gallery Collection thanks to the following subsidy:

Subsidised by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage from the Fund for the Promotion of Culture, a dedicated state fund. Part of the NATIONAL COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY ART 2022 Programme.