Maciej Szankowski's work 'Window' was made during an open-air sculpture workshop in Maribor as part of the Forma Viva symposium. Szańkowski applied to the Forma Viva symposium indicating two possible realisations - Maribor specifically, and as an alternative, also Seča (where stonework was done as part of Forma Viva), and enclosed sketches for both Maribor and Seča. "The Window is an excellent example of the harmonious combination of a work of art with its natural surroundings. The sculpture, entitled Window, dated 1977, is a unique combination of constructivist elements and organic form, blending into the picturesque mountain landscape of Maribor.

Exploring the relationship between sculpture and space, Szankowski placed the stone structure in a way that naturally corresponds with the surrounding nature. "In this sculpture, I wanted to portray a certain frozen dynamism; the movement of the open - as if by force of will - massive frame-planes," the artist explained, emphasising his desire to capture and express movement and dynamism, despite the unchanging stone form of the work.

The work of Maciej Szankowski, illustrated by the "Window" project in Maribor, is distinguished by his unique ability to combine art with the natural environment, creating works that harmoniously coexist with the landscape. "Window", the result of the Forma Viva symposium, demonstrates the artist's passion for exploring and interpreting space in a natural context, where stone and the surrounding nature form a coherent whole.

In his work on 'Window', Szankowski sought to capture 'frozen dynamics', which may seem like a paradox - dynamics is associated with movement, changeability, while stasis is associated with constancy, immutability. However, it is this seemingly contradictory concept that becomes the key to understanding his artistic intentions. Using massive stone planes, the artist has created an impression of opening - as if these 'frames' were capable of shifting, of changing configuration, despite their unwavering, monolithic form.

Thus, Szankowski not only refers to the constructivist roots, but also expands the boundaries of this movement by introducing elements drawn from nature and organics. "Window" becomes a metaphor for perspective, vision, and openness to the surrounding world, while at the same time being an integral part of this world - it does not disrupt the landscape, but enriches it, creating a point where art and nature enter into a direct dialogue.

The location of 'Window' on the outskirts of Maribor, in Bresternica, is not accidental. The choice of this location underlines the artist's intention for his work to blend into the natural context, becoming part of a larger whole. In this way, Szańkowski's sculpture transcends the traditional notion of art as an isolated object, becoming a living element of the landscape that invites interaction, to experience art in a direct and intimate way.

Szańkowski's work, represented by 'Window', is an expression of his deep conviction that art has the power to create new contexts and meanings in the environment in which it functions. Not only does it influence its audience's perception of space, but it also becomes a witness and participant in the transformations taking place in the landscape. "Szańkowski's 'Window', which is both a literal and metaphorical opening to the world, is an important voice in the discussion about the role and place of art in the context of modernity, pointing to its potential in building bridges between man and nature."

In 2014, during the restoration work, the original colour scheme of the sculptures was changed, which was originally covered with a layer of ochre-coloured paint, giving it a warm, earthy hue that blended in with the natural landscape. However, during the renovation carried out in 2014, the decision was made to change the sculpture's colour scheme. It was repainted in a snow-white colour that had faded over time, representing a significant shift in the perception and presentation of the work. The white paint, although different from the original ochre, brought a new dimension to the interpretation of the sculpture, emphasising its form and structure and setting it apart from the natural landscape. This change, on the one hand, makes the sculpture more visible, attracting attention and becoming a landmark in space. On the other hand, it can be perceived as detaching it from its original context, giving it a more abstract character. Undoubtedly, however, such conservation measures are part of the debate about fidelity to the artist's original intentions in the face of the need for the work to adapt and evolve in a changing environment and cultural context.

The window is the only work by Forma Viva of Maribor that has been placed outside the city and is located in Bresternica.

Dimensions: height 650 cm × length 500 cm × width 680 cm, ferro-concrete, 1977, contractor Stavba

The Polonika Institute does not hold the copyright for the photographs of the work - they are available, among others, on the websites - https://formaviva-maribor.si/en/okno and http://www.mariborart.si/spomenik/-/article-display/forma-viva-maciej-szankowski .