Madame Curie – awangardystka. Inspirujący wpływ Marii Skłodowskiej na popkulturę

Abstract

Maria Skłodowska-Curie, born in 1867, is famous all over the world for her precursory research on the new branches of chemistry and radiochemistry. However, according to the studies on the scientist’s biography, Skłodowska-Curie appears as a person incongruous with the world of science dominated by men and as a romantic keen on art and nature. In the last decade Maria Skłodowska-Curie has become a significant motif in the world of art. The scientist has had a great influence on works of more and more artists who focus their artistic activity on her personality and life. The texts analysed in this article are the best example of the impact of Skłodowska-Curie on the contemporary pop artists and their innovative artistic creativity. The works presented depict the history of life, love and science by means of painting, narration, photography, collage, op art and architecture. The author focuses on a few modern artists: in the photos by Kimiko Yoshida Skłodowska is presented as an icon of freedom and independence, in the works by Lauren Redniss the scientist can be seen as a romantic enthusiast, whereas Jennifer Steinkamp pays attention to the double role of the woman and the scientist simultaneously indicating the importance of her discoveries to the world of medicine, science and industry. Searching for the new ways of expression and striving for exceeding the limits of oneself is the common goal of all the artists.