Objects

Fascination and fear of war remain always present in the work of Teodor Bok. His creativity in imagining countless, peculiar killing machines was unrivalled. At times he would recreate the (almost) conventional weapons. More often, however, he constructed terrifying, even though on a small scale, machines armoured and spiked with barrels, spears and bolts of various sizes. But why are there flagpoles with banners on both sides? Not too handy in combat – maybe they keep the spirits up? This sculpture was composed, with remarkable accuracy and precision, of very small pieces of wood and boards nailed together. Some traces of letters are still visible on the boards (letters and numerals are an integral part of many works of Bok). The sculpture is beautifully coated with patina and golden paint, which gives this dangerous machine the charm of an elaborate bibelot.

Renata Piątkowska