Natalia LL: 1937–2022

On August 12, a week after opening of Sleepless in Warsaw at AIR Gallery, we learned that one of the most important figures in Polish feminist art, Natalia LL, passed away at age 85. Her works, which begin the exhibition narrative, are the corner stone of Polish conceptual art, as well as Eastern European neo avant-garde feminist art. We dedicate a special evening to her memory:

Friday, September 2 at 6pm, A.I.R. Gallery 
Music/film/photography/performance. Expressions of Feminism to commemorate Natalia LL
A concert/durational sound environment by New York based Polish artist Monika Weiss followed by a talk with Izabella Gustowska. More info.

Natalia LL’s Consumer Art (1974) video art piece was ahead of its time, becoming one her most frequently analyzed and distinctive works. Photographs from the series are now on view in the Sleepless in Warsaw exhibit curated by Agnieszka Rayzacher, that opened on Saturday August 6 at A.I.R. Gallery and will be on view through September 4. This group exhibit is the last show she was included in while she was still alive. 

Natalia LL (April 18, 1937–August 12, 2022) was a pioneer of conceptual avant-gardein the canon of Polish art, and the world feminist art. Working in photography, drawing, performance, and video art, Natalia LL was known across the globe for her witty critique of consumer society, investigations of sexuality and gender, and systematic experimentation with the laws of probability. Analzying aesthetic and erotic features of consumption, her works have a captivating and yet perverse allure. Natalia LL’s film work is closely related to her artistic practice, mainly photography and performance art.

In the years 1957–63 she studied at State High School of Fine Arts in Wrocław under the supervision of Professor S. Dawski, where she completed her MSc. In the year 1964 she received the Diploma of the Association of Polish Artists Photographers. In 1970 she co-founded the PERMAFO Gallery in Wroclaw. Since 1975 she is engaged in the International Feminist Art movement and took part in various symposiums and exhibitions. Awards and honorary posts: The Kosciuszko Foundation Scholarship, New York, 1977; Commissioner of the I and II International Drawing Triennale in Wrocław, 1978-1981; vice chairman of the IV and VI International Drawing Triennale in Wrocław, 1989-1995; “Verein Kulturkontakte” Scholarship, Vienna, 1991; “PRO-HELVETIA” Scholarship, Switzerland, 1994; from 2004 she was senior lecturer of the Fine Arts Academy in Poznań. Lives and works in Wroclaw.

In May 2007 she was awarded the Silver Medal for “Meritorious Service to Culture Gloria Artis”, and in January 2013 she received the Katarzyna Kobro Award. Four years ago she was honored with the Rosa Schapire Art Prize.