On Magdalena Abakanowicz

1980s Artists Collection Exhibitions

King Harris buys five charcoal drawings from Abakanowicz's 1983 exhibition.

I try to remember what were the early shows—show or shows I really liked. And one really stuck in my mind, that was Magdalena Abakanowicz, who I think we had in 1983. And I loved what she did. I remember Mary Jane Jacob, who was curator, was giving me a tour, and we got to the top floor, this was at 237 Ontario—East Ontario—and I loved her charcoal drawings. And I said, "Would it be possible to buy one?" And she asked Magdalena who said, "Listen, he can take any five of the nine that are up here. He can buy any five."

And I did. I bought five. They're still in my office. And I've loved her stuff. The one piece I really wanted to buy, which was a seated figure in a cage—unfortunately, the MCA bought it, and it's in the MCA permanent collection. That's my favorite of all her pieces.

Magdalena Abakanowicz exhibition catalogue, 1982. Collection MCA Chicago Library and Archives.

Magdalena Abakanowicz exhibition catalogue, 1982. Collection MCA Chicago Library and Archives.

Installation view, Magdalena Abakanowicz, MCA Chicago, Nov 6, 1982–Jan 2, 1983. Photo © MCA Chicago.

Installation view, Magdalena Abakanowicz, MCA Chicago, Nov 6, 1982–Jan 2, 1983. Photo © MCA Chicago.

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