Helsinki Art Museum (HAM) presents "Magdalena Abakanowicz: Crossing Boundaries," the first Finnish exhibition of the Polish artist's monumental fiber works, running from May 6 to August 30, 2026, at the Tennis Palace. The show features 58 works spanning six decades, including her iconic Abakans—suspended woven forms—and headless burlap figures, along with documentary screenings and a new Finnish-language publication.
The exhibition matters because it brings Abakanowicz's groundbreaking textile sculptures to a new audience, highlighting how she transformed fiber art into visceral, architectural sculpture that addresses collective trauma, vulnerability, and the human condition. By presenting her work in a major museum context, the show reinforces her legacy as a pioneer who expanded the boundaries of contemporary sculpture and installation art.