by Elena Caslini
Ciacek Gallery is pleased to present Wojciech Sadley / Franca Sonnino: Imaginary Conversation, an exhibition that brings into dialogue, for the very first time, the work of Polish artist Wojciech Sadley (Lublin, 1932–2023, Warsaw) and Italian artist Franca Sonnino (Rome, 1932). Curated by Małgorzata Ciacek and Elena Caslini, the show explores an unexpected yet profound resonance between the two artists’ practices, presenting on a selection of works created primarily between the 1960s and 1980s – pivotal decades in Sadley’s and Sonnino’s respective practices.
Although Wojciech Sadley and Franca Sonnino never met, their artistic journeys share a striking convergence. Both began as painters before embracing textiles as a medium for exploring themes of memory, suffering, and transcendence. Born in the same year—Sadley in Lublin and Sonnino in Rome—they each endured the traumas of World War II, an experience that left an indelible mark on their creative expressions.
Sonnino, a Jewish Italian artist, was profoundly influenced by Maria Lai and played a key role in
transforming traditional domestic techniques – such as weaving, sewing and crocheting – into a language of feminine consciousness and empowerment. Sadley, meanwhile, developed a deeply personal approach to textile art, rejecting conventional categorization by creating „paratextiles” or „antitextiles” — works that challenge the very definition of sculpture.
Despite their differences in scale – Sonnino’s delicate, small-format pieces contrast with Sadley’s monumental compositions – both artists employed textiles to transcend conventional boundaries, inhabiting space in novel and unexpected ways, while expressing a common pursuit of human truth and spiritual depth.
The exhibition is accompanied by a text by Elena Caslini, conceived as an imaginary conversation between Sadley and Sonnino, drawing on existing literature and original quotations from both artists.
The exhibition is accompanied by a text by Elena Caslini, conceived as an imaginary conversation between Sadley and Sonnino, drawing on existing literature and original quotations from both artists.
Ciacek Gallery extends its sincere thanks to Chiara Manca for her generous support in making this exhibition possible.
Works
| Title | Year | Technique | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
Franca Sonnino, Book
|
C. 1980 | cotton thread and metal | 50 x 50 x 50 cm |
Franca Sonnino, Net
|
1985 | thread on paper | 40 x 30 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Psalm No.16
|
1982 | mixed media | 85 x 60 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Icarus
|
C. 1960 | mixed media | 300 x 80 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Infantka (The Crown Princess)
|
1961 | wool, silk | 250 x 70 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Infant (The Crown Prince)
|
1967 | mixed media | 190 x 65 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Psalmus
|
1985 | wool | 300 x 200 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, The Violet Structure
|
C. 1970 | sisal | 500 x 131 cm |
Franca Sonnino, Smagliature
|
1978 | cotton thread on canvas | 120 x 100 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Queen
|
1961 | wool, silk | 250 x 190 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Shroud
|
1985 | mixed media | 100 x 73 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Matnia
|
1961 | mixed media on canvas | 101 x 152 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Psalm No. 17
|
1982 | mixed media on paper | 85 x 60 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Untitled (Figure/Angel)
|
2021 | painted silk | 258 x 140.5 cm |
Wojciech Sadley, Untitled
|
1980 | mixed media | 100 x 72.5 cm |