'Eros Bendato' or 'Eros Bound'

One of the most recents monuments in Krakow's Main Square.

Main Square of Krakow view (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre


Igor Mitoraj's sculpture is commonly interpreted as a symbol of being enslaved by love.

The huge head with empty eye sockets wrapped in bandages is made of bronze and stands  near the Town Hall Tower in the Main Square. 

Ikaro Alato by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

Igor Mitoraj is one of the most renowned contemporary Polish artists. He made part of a group which in the 1970s and 1980s tried to redefine the way ancient sculpture was viewed. 

Mitoraj's Sculpture at the Main Square in Krakow by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

Deconstruction of an ancient sculpture   

Looking for a postmodern key to what ancient sculpture was, Mitoraj in a way tried to deconstruct it.


The results of his works were large-sized figures of heroes, mythical gods, and angels.

Eros Bendato by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

Icarus,  Centauro,  Eros, Mars. Cast in bronze, carved in marble, they delight with ideal proportions, perfection, and beauty of shapes. 

Mitoraj's mouth   

Mitoraj's style is recognizable all over the world, and a characteristic element of his works are the lips, which always have the shape of the author's own mouth, constituting an original signature of his sculptures.

Torso Alato Screpolato by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

An important element of Mitoraj's work is also the deliberate damage to the surface of the sculptures reflecting the imperfection of human nature.

Mitoraj's Sculptures at the Main Square in Krakow by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

In 2003, Mitoraj's monumental statues were exhibited in the MCK Gallery and in the Main Square in Cracow.

Mitoraj's Sculptures at the Main Square in Krakow by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

At that time, 14 sculptures representing human figures were presented.

Mitoraj's Sculptures at the Main Square in Krakow by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

Placed on the ground of the Main Square, the sculptures co-existed in the same space as the viewer, inviting them to a direct confrontation with art, breaking up the daily routine of moving from one place to another. 

Eros Bendato (2022) by Igor MitorajInternational Cultural Centre

'Eros Bound' has remained in Cracow after an exhibition devoted to the work of Igor Mitoraj organized in 2003 by the International Cultural Centre. 

Main Square of Krakow view (2022) by Michał SiarekInternational Cultural Centre

The sculpture has become part of the city's aura, creating yet another layer of the story about what Cracow is today. 

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