Maria Bartuszová

Maria Bartuszová (1936–1996) was a Slovak sculptor known for her innovative, organic forms and tactile sculptures. Born in Prague, she studied ceramics at the Academy of Arts, Architecture, and Design in Prague. 
After relocating to Košice, Slovakia, she began exploring the relationship between nature and abstract art, creating sculptures inspired by natural phenomena like raindrops and plant growth. 
In the 1960s, she developed her Germination and Grain series, using plaster, balloons, and later cast them in bronze and aluminum. Bartuszová also focused on haptic sculptures, designed to engage the sense of touch, particularly for the visually impaired. 
Despite living under the restrictive conditions of Communist Czechoslovakia, Bartuszová was a pioneer artist, continually developing her craft in isolation while only occasionally traveling to stay connected with the international art world. Her works were later featured in prestigious exhibitions such as documenta 12 (2007) and the Venice Biennale (2022). 
Though she was largely unknown outside Slovakia and Czechoslovakia during her lifetime, her legacy has since been recognized globally, cementing her as one of the most influential sculptors of her time.

The exhibition Paper, Rock, Scissors – Materials and Tools of Art (2025) features some of her artworks.