Czarna Madonna

A haunting yet reverent tribute to resilience, memory, and faith, Czarna Madonna (translates from the Polish language to Black Madonna in English) serves as a sculptural meditation on survival, devotion, and history. Handcrafted from charred pine, reclaimed wood slices, and pyrite crystals, this one-of-a-kind piece embodies both the sacred and the scarred, the enduring and the transformative.

The sculpture depicts the profile of a woman’s face, cut from charred wood, evoking the dual themes of destruction and endurance through time. Flowing through her darkened hair, a single strand of raw wood slices cuts across the charred surface—a bright organic interruption that serves as a reminder of the light that is present in all darkness.

Two deep scars mark her face, filled with pyrite crystals and red wax, symbolizing both protection and healing. Near her eye, a poem is embossed and burned into the wood, each line forming a tear of remembrance:

“He carried her,
close to his heart,
all throughout the war,
in the breast pocket,
of his only suit jacket.”

This sculpture is a homage to the artist’s grandfather, who carried a worn, dog-eared image of the Czarna Madonna throughout World War II and his time in a concentration camp. That small, sacred image—shown to the artist throughout her childhood—served as a talisman, a protector, and, in his belief, the reason he survived the war.

The Czarna Madonna holds deep cultural and spiritual significance in Poland, where it is a symbol of resilience, faith, and protection. Revered for centuries, the Black Madonna of Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa has been a spiritual beacon for the Polish people, embodying national identity, resistance, and hope in times of war and occupation. It stands as a testament to the enduring strength of spirit and the power of faith in overcoming adversity.

Through its burnt text, charred textures, and embedded gemstones, Czarna Madonna becomes both an object of veneration and a contemporary artifact of remembrance. It honors not only one human’s survival but also the broader, enduring power of faith, family, and the cultural legacy that shapes our collective memory.

This sculpture is a testament to the resilience of those who have suffered, the transformative power of faith, and the way memory is immortalized through objects and art.

SCULPTURE DETAILS

Artist: Olga Ziemska

Title: Czarna Madonna

Year: 2021

Materials: Charred pine, ebonized pine, reclaimed wood slices, burnt & embossed text, pyrite gemstones, red wax

Dimensions: 73 in H x 78.5 in W x 2 in D (185.42 cm x 199.39 cm x 5.1 cm)

Edition: Original; One of one

Type: Permanent Indoor Sculpture

Domestic Shipping:

Shipping costs vary by location and will be calculated after purchase. We will contact you to arrange shipping, which must be paid in full before the sculpture is dispatched. If you would like a shipping estimate prior to purchase, please contact us.

Each sculpture is carefully packed and typically ships within 7-14 business days after payment is received. Given the size and delicate nature of the artwork, we coordinate shipping through specialized carriers to ensure safe delivery. Delivery times will vary depending on location and courier availability.

Tracking information will be provided once your sculpture has been dispatched.

Insurance & Additional Costs:

Shipping insurance is highly recommended to protect your sculpture during transit. If you would like to add insurance, please let us know when arranging shipping. The cost of insurance is calculated based on the sculpture’s value and shipping destination.

The customer is responsible for all additional shipping costs, including but not limited to insurance, customs duties, taxes, storage fees, or special handling requests. These charges are not included in the initial shipping estimate and must be paid before shipment.

International Shipping:

For international shipments, packaging and shipping rates are calculated on a case-by-case basis. Due to the size and fragility of original sculptures, we work closely with trusted couriers to provide the safest and most cost-effective shipping solutions based on size, weight, and destination.

For an international shipping quote, please contact us before purchase. We will provide a detailed estimate based on your location and preferred delivery method.

Packaging + Handling:

Each sculpture is carefully packed to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. We use durable, high-quality materials such as cardboard, foam padding, and reinforced supports to protect the artwork during transit; including custom-built wooden crates, when necessary.

Estimated Shipping Times:

Domestic Orders: Typically 7-21 business days from dispatch, depending on location and courier availability.

International Orders: Delivery times vary based on destination and shipping method, generally ranging from 14-45 business days.

Customs + Duties:

For international orders, the recipient is responsible for any customs fees, duties, or taxes imposed by their country. These charges are not included in the shipping estimate and must be paid upon arrival.

Damage Claim & Responsibility:

All sculptures leave the studio in their intended condition. Due to the nature of sculpture, there may be marks, nicks, or surface variations that are an intentional part of the artwork. We document the sculpture before shipping to verify the condition in which it left the studio.

Each piece is carefully packaged or crated to ensure full protection during transport. In the rare event that damage occurs during transit, the customer must file a claim directly with the shipping company. To assist in this process, please email us at olgaziemskastudio@gmail.com with photos and details of the damage after contacting the shipping company, and we will help where possible.

Additional Shipping Inquiries:

For shipping estimates, special requests, or additional questions, please contact us at olgaziemskastudio@gmail.com before placing your order.

STORAGE + HANDLING

• Always handle your sculpture with clean, dry hands or wear protective gloves to prevent transferring oils or dirt onto the surface.

• Support the sculpture from its structural points rather than delicate or extended elements when lifting or moving.

• If storing, keep the sculpture in its original packaging and place it in a climate-controlled space away from moisture and direct sunlight.

• Ensure a stable environment with moderate temperature and humidity levels to prevent material expansion or deterioration.

INSTALLATION + DISPLAY

• Each sculpture has its own unique mounting method and options. Your sculpture will arrive with detailed hanging instructions and the necessary hardware.

• Customer Responsibility: It is the responsibility of the customer to properly hang the artwork. Any damage resulting from improper installation is the sole responsibility of the customer.

• Professional Assistance: If you are unsure about the installation process, we strongly recommend hiring a professional art installer to ensure secure and proper mounting.

• Wall Mounting: Your sculpture may include integrated hanging hardware or require specialized mounting hardware. Follow the included instructions carefully.

• Weight Support: Ensure that your wall and mounting hardware can support the sculpture’s full weight. We recommend securing it to wall studs or using heavy-duty anchors.

• Avoid installing in high-traffic areas where it may be bumped or brushed against.

• Keep away from direct sunlight, which may cause fading or material degradation over time.

• Avoid locations with extreme temperature fluctuations or high humidity, such as near radiators, fireplaces, or bathrooms.

• Tip: If unsure about proper installation, contact us or consult a professional art installer for secure mounting.

CLEANING + MAINTENANCE

• Use only canned air to gently remove dust. Hold the can at a safe distance to avoid dislodging delicate elements.

• Do not use cloths, brushes, water, or any cleaning solutions, as they may cause damage.

• If concerned about dust accumulation, consider a custom acrylic display case for protection.

CUSTOM ACRYLIC DISPLAY OPTION

• A custom acrylic display case can be requested to further protect and showcase your sculpture.

• This protective covering helps shield the artwork from dust, direct contact, and environmental factors while maintaining visibility.

• Custom displays are designed to best showcase each sculpture and are built with a white panel support for a clean and elegant presentation.

• Additional cost applies—please contact us for pricing and customization options.

NATURAL MATERIALS & EXPECTED CHANGES

• Many sculptures incorporate natural materials such as wood slices and branches, which are inherently delicate.

• Over time, slight cracking, changes in texture, and natural shedding of bark may occur. This is a normal process and an inherent part of the artwork’s evolving nature.

• These organic variations enhance the unique character of the piece and should be embraced as part of its life cycle.

LONG-TERM PRESERVATION

• This sculpture is strictly intended for indoor display only. It is not suitable for outdoor or semi-exposed installations, and no protective coatings are applied or recommended.

• If repairs or restoration are necessary, consult us or a professional art conservator or contact us for recommendations.

• Tip: Investing in professional maintenance every few years can help ensure your sculpture remains in excellent condition.

By following these care and display guidelines, your sculpture will maintain its beauty and structural integrity for years to come. If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at olgaziemskastudio@gmail.com