„Figura na stolici – Teta razapeta“ – „Figure on a Chair – The Crucified Aunt“
The sculpture “Figura na stolici”, or in English “Figure on a Chair”, is one of Sarajevo’s most famous works of art. It was created by the Bosnian-Herzegovinian sculptor ALIJA KUČUKALIĆ (1936–1992) and is located on the Skenderija Plateau. Although its official title is “Figura na stolici,” most residents know it by its nickname, “Teta razapeta”, or in English “The Crucified Aunt”.
The sculpture depicts a female figure with her arms outstretched wide. Kučukalić deliberately reduced the form to its essentials, thereby creating a work of great expressiveness. Over time, the open posture has been interpreted in various ways – as a symbol of openness, strength, resistance, and humanity.
For the people of Sarajevo, the sculpture came to mean far more than its artistic significance. It became one of the city’s most famous meeting places. For generations, friends, families, and couples arranged to meet using the phrase, “Let’s meet at Teta razapeta.” As a result, the artwork became an integral part of everyday life and the city’s identity.
During the Siege of Sarajevo, the sculpture took on additional symbolic meaning. Many people saw the figure with outstretched arms as a sign of resistance and resilience in the face of war and destruction. Even after the war, it remained a symbol of the city’s history and perseverance.
The sculpture is also frequently incorporated into current social events. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was temporarily dressed in a face mask and protective gear – an initiative that drew attention to air pollution and later to the pandemic, prompting many passersby to reflect on these issues.
Today, “Figura na stolici,” also known as “Teta razapeta,” is considered one of Sarajevo’s most important landmarks. It connects art, history, and people’s everyday lives, while also serving as a memorial to the artist ALIJA KUČUKALIĆ, who lost his life in 1992 during the Siege of Sarajevo.
INFOTHEK
Artist: ALIJA KUČUKALIĆ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlijaKucukalic
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@alijakucukalic7550
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