Ewa Partum - The Legality of Space

Ewa Partum (*1945) belongs to the first generation of Polish conceptual artists and is considered one of the pioneers of conceptual and feminist art in Europe. In the mid-1960s, she positioned herself with a critical attitude towards reality, the system and control and initially appeared with pioneering actions and installations in public space, visual poetry, films as well as photographs and performances.

Showing numerous prohibition signs – real and made up – ‘The Legality of Space’ explores issues of ownership and belonging as well as restriction and representation. Also touching on issues such as the authority of signs and their executive power, the work - originally installed in the public space of Liberty Square in Łódź, Poland in 1971 - can be read beyond its historical context in a contemporary one.

Partum is one of the most important representatives of conceptual and feminist art in Poland, as evidenced by presentations of her works at the Palais de Tokyo, Centre Pompidou and other venues, as well as her participation in international exhibitions such as the 14th Biennale de Lyon, La Triennale 2012 Paris, 18th Biennale of Sydney and Manifesta 7, among others. Her works are shown in numerous public collections such as Tate Modern , MoMA New York, Museo Reina Sofia Madrid, Generali Foundation, Nationalgalerie Berlin.