Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930–2017) was a Polish artist who revolutionised the use of woven forms in art. In the mid 1960s, she transformed the modest material of sisal into monumental hanging sculptures, known as Abakans, which captivated audiences and brought her international fame. In the 1970s she amassed them into vast organic environments, at times threading through reclaimed ship ropes. Imbued with meaning, they were spaces to contemplate, to immerse oneself in, to experience.

This book explores the unique nature of these radical works and brings readers into Abakanowicz’s imaginal world. Delving into the lesser-known context of the art world from which Abakanowicz emerged, and touching on other aspects of a remarkable sixty-year career, it reveals her impact on environmental sculpture, as well as her deeply personal interests in natural phenomena and global cultures. Showcasing the Abakans in a whole new light, it is a celebration of the mastery and determination of this extraordinary artist.