Alina Szapocznikow, Petits Deserts III, 1971. Colored polyester resin and glass. Courtesy of Piotr Stanislawski.

In related news, isn’t it wonderful when you come across a previously undiscovered artist! I only learned of Szapocznikow today when my cousin, who’s visiting from Moscow and thereby has a much keener eye for uncovering gems in the consumer detritus of New York, found a monograph at the Strand. Looking through the book, I was immediately convinced, like I was only recently with Winston Chmielinski. In fact, Szapocznikow and Chmielinski have a lot in common beyond just their Polish-sounding surnames, particularly a certain affinity with Francis Bacon and a delight in the morbid uncanny. I guess when it comes to art objects, I definitely have a “type.”