Sculpture for 300 thousand divided residents of Silesian city. Giant thumb raises controversy

As part of the first edition of the Gliwice Biennale, a huge sculpture by Jan Śliwka, depicting a thumb, appeared in the city. Not everyone likes it, though…

The Gliwice Biennale – Art in the City, City in Art , is behind us, the first edition of a unique event that aims to show the beauty of architecture , the richness of history and the modern face of the Silesian city.

Following the example of Venice , São Paulo , Berlin and Tokyo , Gliwice organised a series of free events including free concerts , performative activities , exhibitions in urban spaces , dance , theatre , poetry and street art , and all residents and guests visiting the city, regardless of age, were invited to participate.

Poster promoting the Gliwice Biennale / photo: promotional materials

The Biennale took place from June 27 to July 6 and it can already be said that it was a great success. Incidentally, it brought the city an unusual souvenir .

It is about a sculpture, or rather a totem, by the late Gliwice artist Jan Śliwka , which represents a giant thumb made of fiberglass and resin . The work of art, which has become a kind of symbol of the Biennale , can be admired at the European Square .

- Let this wonderful sculpture: a thumbs up, be a symbol of our "yes" to art present in the city - said the mayor of Gliwice, Katarzyna Kuczyńska-Budka , during the unveiling of the installation.

Sculpture by Jan Śliwa / photo by Angelika Lachawiec, PTWP

Both the event and the peculiar work of art have aroused rather positive feelings among the residents, although there have also been voices of dissatisfaction. What is it about? Money, of course.

As reported by the WP Finance portal, the sculpture cost 300 thousand złoty net. Most of this amount was covered by the Soundscape Foundation , while 90 thousand was paid by the City of Gliwice . Some residents believe that this is an unnecessary expense.

- Gliwice lacks benches, greenery, nurseries and renovations. And the mayor is spending public money on secondary matters with a light hand. This is not art. This is a lack of economy. This is not investment. This is sugarcoating reality - we read in the comment under the post of the City of Gliwice .

However, we are in favor of art in public spaces in as large quantities as possible, and we strongly support events such as the Gliwice Biennale 2025 .

Jan Śliwka's totem will remain at the European Square for at least a few more months. The city will then decide whether it will remain there.