Maria Jarema
Studies: Faculty of Sculpture, Academy of Fine Arts, Krakow 1929-1935. Diploma in Prof Xawery Dunikowski’s studio, 1`935. Co-founder of the 1st and 2nd ‘Krakow Group’ (1932 and 1957). Author of stage design, among others for the experimental Theatre Cricot established and conducted before the war by the artist’s brother, Józef Jarema. From 1956 to 1957 she was connected with Tadeusz Kontor’s Theatre Cricot 2 as an actress and costume designer. After the war it was painting that played a significant role in the artist’s oeuvre. She mainly used the monotyping technique. Laureate of the Award of Krakow City for her lifetime achievements in art, 1957.
Only few of Jarema’s sculptures have survived till our times. In 1979 Nude was discovered in the basement of the Jaremas’ house in Wola Justowska. The state of the sculpture was very bad, but thanks to archival photographs a partial reconstruction has been possible. The form of the sculpture balances on the borderline between figuration and abstraction. It is built of fluid and angular solids which interpenetrate and evoke the impression of expressiveness and inner dynamics. In 1995 the sculpture was cast in bronze. The plaster original is found in the collection of the National Museum in Krakow.