The red sculpture „Gaja” appeared in Busko-Zdrój and quickly sparked a nationwide storm. It cost 301,000 PLN and fueled debate over public spending and the limits of art.
A modern sculpture in the heart of the spa town
In the open air, along Mickiewicza Avenue in Busko-Zdrój, a new sculpture by Maurycy Gomulicki has been installed. The work depicts a female figure in a provocative pose and is made of intensely red material, meant to emphasize energy and vitality, and also to allude to the mythical Mother Earth – Gaia. Its distinctly sensual shape contrasts with the traditional architecture of the spa town, attracting curious onlookers and provoking hundreds of comments in the media.
Controversy: art or kitsch?
The sculpture was funded by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage under the programme „Sculpture in Public Space for Independence – 2025”. As much as 301,000 PLN was allocated to the project, of which approximately 270.8 thousand PLN came from the ministry’s budget, and the remainder was contributed by the New Art Space Foundation (Fundacja Nowa Przestrzeń Sztuki). A summary table of the funding is below:
Costs of realising the sculpture „Gaja”:
| Source of funding | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Culture and Heritage | 270 882,51 zł |
| New Art Space Foundation | 30 117,49 zł |
| Total cost | 301 000,00 zł |
There was no shortage of criticism, particularly from politicians of the Confederation and PiS parties, who called the installation a „pasquinade” and an example of poor use of public funds. Internet users compared the sum to apartment prices or more pressing local needs. On platform X and in comments under articles, opinions also appeared describing the monumental sculpture as „pop-culture kitsch” or even an „erotic gadget”.
The artistic meaning according to its creator
The author of the sculpture, Maurycy Gomulicki, is known for works that balance on the border between eroticism and pop culture. He stresses that the intense red is meant to symbolise life, strength and joy, while the sensual form is a metaphor for elemental, feminine energy. According to Gomulicki, art in public space should evoke emotions and provoke conversation about what contemporary culture is.
Residents’ reactions and online response
Residents of Busko-Zdrój and internet users react in very different ways.
- Some people appreciate the bold project and the modern approach to art in the urban space
- Others point out that a spa resort should not be „shocked” by such a sharp artistic form
- Online, there is no shortage of jokes, comparisons to pop culture, or criticism of spending on art
Summary and original commentary
The sculpture „Gaja” is one of the most commented-on art projects this year. It is an example of how modern art can divide society and draw attention to broader questions: who public space serves, what can be considered valuable art, and how public money can be spent efficiently and transparently.
Similar controversies surrounding art show that, even in the 21st century, the boundaries between art, provocation and good taste are remarkably fluid – and every new project can become the start of an important public debate.
