The City of Animals: Domicella Bożekowska's Evocative Sculptures and Drawings at Royal Łazienki Museum

This exhibition showcases Domicella Bożekowska's animalistic sculptures and drawings, reflecting her deep fascination with nature and her impeccable artistic technique. The collection represents the first major presentation of her works in many years, highlighting her sensitive observation and simplified forms.

The City of Animals, a temporary exhibition at the Cantonists' Barracks, presents the animalistic sculptures and drawings of Domicella Bożekowska. Her nearly lifelong dedication to studying animal behaviour resulted in subtle, sketched, and sculpted representations that captured the essence of each creature's habits, movements, and communication. In a contemporary context of debates on animal rights and environmental impact, Bożekowska's focus on animals feels remarkably topical, though it was once considered an artistic niche. The exhibition invites viewers into Bożekowska's world, characterized by her fascination with nature, talent, and impeccable technique. The selection of sculptures and sketches demonstrates her sensitivity and remarkable gift for observation, employing simplified, synthetic forms reminiscent of Polish sculpture from the 1950s and 60s. Her depictions, which attest to excellent anatomical knowledge, capture both the movement and stillness of various species like buffalo, elephants, foxes, horses, deer, and especially wolves. Some portrayed animals were personal companions, adding a layer of intimacy to the works. Bożekowska often designed works for specific outdoor spaces, such as the 'Wild Boar' sculpture at the Warsaw Zoological Garden. The exhibition also includes photographic records of her work and tools she used, offering a comprehensive view of her artistic practice. Curated by Kalina Cukrowska and co-curated/coordinated by Anna Szary, this is a significant retrospective presentation of Bożekowska’s distinct approach to portraying animal subjects.

Admission is part of the ticket to the Cantonists’ Barracks. Tickets are priced at 30 PLN for a standard ticket, 15 PLN for a reduced ticket, and 20 PLN for adults with a Large Family Card. Fridays offer free admission for individual visits. Tickets can be purchased at various ticket offices within the museum complex.