Aleksandra Cegielska (1985), a Polish artist based in Basel, Switzerland, creates works that explore sociological themes through mixed media, including painting, sculpture, textiles, and performance art. Cegielska’s artistic practice serves as a bold declaration of defiance against societal constraints, particularly those imposed on women. Rooted in the vibrant language of feminist pop art, her work examines themes of identity, gender, and societal hypocrisy. She merges humor, irony, and social critique to disrupt the narratives that define and confine marginalized voices.
Cegielska’s art reflects her personal resistance to traditional roles and expectations. Her early fascination with fabrics and fashion, shaped by childhood memories of dressing up in her grandmother’s wardrobe, evolved into a multidisciplinary practice encompassing painting, textiles, performance, and public art. She engages accessible mediums such as posters, banners, and digital platforms, believing that art should provoke change and be available to all, not confined to elite spaces.
Her work often critiques societal norms surrounding body autonomy, gender roles, and the commodification of identity, employing bold visuals and unflinching messages to provoke thought and discomfort. Each piece questions the frameworks we inhabit and the power structures we sustain, embodying her belief that every boundary exists to be challenged and redefined.
Exhibition view: Critical Cuteness, group exhibition, Regionale 24, FABRIKculture, Hegenheim, France
ALEKSANDRA CEGIELSKA