Ceramics have been an integral part of architecture for centuries, decorating buildings and giving them a unique character. After years of marginalisation, this art form is making a big comeback, finding its place in modern urban spaces. In Warsaw, a huge ceramic composition was created by Ms Jurek’s studio, which refers to the tradition of communist-era realisations and is an expression of the desire to reintegrate art with architecture.
The modern headquarters of Colliers International, located in The Form building at 11 Miedziana Street in Warsaw, boasts a unique work by Magda Jurek. The horizontal composition adorns the wall of the employee canteen, exemplifying the skilful combination of art and functional space. The project was created in the artist’s workshop, and the Colliers Define team: Zuzanna Jaszczuk, Zuzanna Świątek and Magdalena Kubicka, together with Kuryłowicz & Associates, are responsible for the building’s architecture. The relief elements covered with green glaze and matt blue engobe change according to the time of day and year, reflecting the light coming through the spacious windows. The composition combines colour and spatial qualities, balancing on the border between abstraction and figuration – a characteristic feature of Magda Jurek’s style.
Ceramics inspired by the People’s Republic of Poland. Photo: Moodauthors
The artist drew inspiration from the concept of utopian cities, such as Leonardo da Vinci’s La Citta Ideale, Palmanova or the modernist projects of Le Corbusier and Oskar Hansen. In these visions, the city as a social organism was supposed to influence human nature, which is reflected in Magda Jurek’s design. The composition ‘POLA 37’ is reminiscent of a city plan, although its perspective remains ambiguous. Modernist elements can be found in the structures: white walls with chiaroscuro accentuated with blue engobe, geometric divisions, pilotis and ubiquitous greenery. However, these architectural references are deconstructed and dispersed, creating a new spatial quality.
Magda Jurek’s project is a continuation of the ‘POLA’ series, in which the artist refers to modernist ideas of integrating art with architecture. In the post-war era, ceramic paintings decorated offices, railway stations, cinemas and sanatorium buildings. In this context, works by artists such as Krzysztof Henisz, Krystyna Zgud-Strachocka or Wojciech Fangor were an important part of the culture of public space. Magda Jurek’s composition is a tribute to tradition and an expression of hope for the return of large-scale site-specific ceramics to contemporary architectural spaces. In a world where art is often reduced to a decorative function, this project is a reminder that it can be an integral part of our everyday landscape.
The Ms Jurek brand was created in 2010 on the initiative of Magda Jurek, an artist and designer. The painting graduate sees her objects as signs, sculptures or installations, also treating them as tools for abstract compositions. Functional forms become a means of expression, as do colours, textures and shapes. Ms Jurek’s objects go beyond conventional functions – interactivity is their key feature. They are created in response to their surroundings and users, but ergonomics and functionality always remain a priority. Her fascination with ceramics and her respect for its possibilities and limitations are evident in every project. All objects are created on site, in Ms Jurek’s studio, mainly by hand, under the designer’s watchful eye.
Source: Ms Jurek
Photos: Moodauthors
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