Interventions

Interwencje by Edward Krasiński is one of the paintings, or rather geometric structures from the series published under the same title, the most distinguishing feature of which is the blue scotch tape – a signature line that interferes with the work and its surroundings, always blue, 19 millimetres wide, situated horizontally at the height of 130 centimetres. Krasiński is one of the most important representatives of the avant-garde movement in post-war Poland. He started his career in the 1950s as a surrealist – this specific type of humour can be also seen in his later pieces. Then, he started creating painting and spatial compositions, as well as assemblages – works made of various objects, such as wires, bottles, cables protruding from the canvas, suspended in the air or placed on platforms. In 1968, Krasiński received scotch blue adhesive tape as a gift – at the time, it was a very luxurious product in communist Poland. He started sticking it to walls and trees, and since then, for more than 30 years, the blue tape became an indispensable element of his sculptures, photographic works, as well as site-specific installations in museums and galleries. In this way, the artist outlined his territory, defined his artistic identity. In 1970, Krasiński was invited to participate in the Tokyo Biennial – one of the most important cyclical exhibitions in the world promoting experimental art. The works selected by the organizers did not arrive on time. Krasiński sent a telegram repeating the word blue in Morse code 5,000 times. An 80-metre long roll of perforated paper was placed in a bulletproof display case and displayed as his piece. This spontaneous, conceptual gesture opened the metaphorical dorr for the blue line that has become the artist's signature.

Marlena Chybowska-Butler