Niepomnikowe możliwości Pomników niemożliwych ………. 335

THE NON-MONUMENTAL POSSIBILITIES OF “IMPOSSIBLE MONUMENTS”

This article explores Tadeusz Kantor’s “Pomniki niemożliwe” (Impossible Monuments) – large-scale objects of everyday use or of “the lowest rank.” However, the aim is not to explore the concept itself, but to demonstrate whether and how they interact with the social and physical environment. The issue of interaction with the surroundings is particularly important, as it was one of the pillars of the “Impossible Monuments” concept. This study is therefore an attempt to answer the question: does the creator’s intention manifest itself in the actual impact of Kantor’s monuments, or do they function as the artist intended? Two monument designs were considered – the chair and the coat rack. Particular focus was placed on the former, as it is the only one that was realized in monumental form and permanently displayed in public space. Relevant research was conducted, in which netnography played a key role. As part of this research, an analysis was carried out of reflections posted online by people who “entered into a relationship” with Kantor’s chair. Based on the analysis, it was concluded that the monument-environment relationship takes the form anticipated by Tadeusz Kantor. Absurd associations, feelings of ambiguity and disorientation, distortions of scale, specific emotional experiences, and desires for closer interaction (climbing and sitting) emerge; impossible monuments are perceived as objects of the lowest rank.