The red sculpture "Gaja" appeared in Busku-Zdrój and immediately caused a storm throughout Poland. It cost PLN 301 thousand and warmed up discussions on public spending and art boundaries.
Modern sculpture in the center of the spa
Na świeżym powietrzu przy Alei Mickiewicza w Busku-Zdroju stanęła nowa rzeźba autorstwa Maurycego Gomulickiego. Praca przedstawia kobiecą postać w prowokacyjnej pozie i wykonana jest z intensywnie czerwonego materiału, co miało podkreślić energię i witalność, a także nawiązywać do mitycznej Matki Ziemi – Gai. Jej wyjątkowo sensualny kształt kontrastuje z tradycyjną zabudową uzdrowiska, przyciągając ciekawskich i wywołując setki komentarzy w mediach.
Controversy: Art or kitsch?
The sculpture was financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage as part of the "A sculpture in public space for the Independent – 2025". As many as PLN 301 thousand were allocated to the project, of which approximately PLN 270,8 thousand came from the Ministry's budget, and the rest was added by the New Space of Art Foundation. The following table summarises the financing:
Costs for the implementation of the sculpture ‘Gaja’:
| Source of funding | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Culture and Heritage | PLN 270 882,51 |
| New Art Space Foundation | 30 117.49 zł |
| Total cost | PLN 301 000,00 |
There were no shortages of criticism, especially on the part of Confederate and PiS politicians, who called the installation "paszquil" and an example of poor public spending. Internet users compared the amount to housing prices or more urgent local needs. On the X platform and in the comments under the articles there were also opinions that the monumental sculpture is "popcultural kitsch" or even "erotic gadget".
Artistic significance by creator
The author of the sculpture, Maurice Gomulicki, is known for his work balancing at the border of erotica and pop culture. He emphasizes that intense red is intended to symbolize life, strength and joy, and the sensual form is a metaphor of natural, feminine energy. According to Gomulicki, art in public space should provoke emotions and provoke to talk about what contemporary culture is.
Residents reception and reactions online
The inhabitants of Buska-Zdrój and Internet users react very differently.
- Some people appreciate the bold design and modern approach to art in urban space
- Others point out that a spa place should not be "surprised" with such a harsh artistic form
- The network does not lack jokes, comparisons to pop culture or criticism of art spending
Summary and original comment
Rzeźba „Gaja” jest jednym z najbardziej komentowanych projektów artystycznych tego roku. To przykład, jak nowoczesna sztuka potrafi podzielić społeczeństwo i zwrócić uwagę na szersze pytania: o to, komu służy przestrzeń publiczna, co można uznać za wartościową sztukę oraz jak sprawnie i transparentnie wydawać publiczne pieniądze.
Similar controversy around art shows that even in the 21st century the boundaries between art, provocation and good taste are extremely smooth – and each new realization can be the beginning of an important social debate.
