Tapta: Flexible Forms / Muzeum Susch

"Tapta: Flexible Forms" is the first major retrospective of Polish-Belgian artist Tapta (1926–1997) outside Belgium. The exhibition, held at Muzeum Susch, highlights Tapta's central concept of creating flexible sculptures that engage with the exhibition space and viewers. Tapta, born Maria Wierusz-Kowalska in Poland, fled to Belgium in 1945. She studied weaving at La Cambre in Brussels and lived in the Belgian Congo from 1950 to 1960 before establishing herself as an influential artist in Brussels.

The exhibition is organized chronologically, showcasing her textile works from the 1960s-1980s and neoprene works from the 1980s-1990s. Tapta's textile works evolved from traditional weaving to experimental forms using ropes and three-dimensional structures that invited tactile and physical viewer interaction. Highlights include twenty original textile works and a reconstructed installation, "Forms for a Flexible Space" (1974).

In the 1980s, Tapta transitioned to using neoprene, creating large, flexible installations that continued to engage viewers. The exhibition also features scale models and archival documents, reflecting her innovative methods and teaching career at La Cambre, where she influenced many students. Curated by Liesbeth Decan, the exhibition underscores Tapta's contributions to avant-garde art and flexible sculpture.

Tapta: Flexible Forms / Muzeum Susch. Susch (Switzerland), July 20, 2024.