Golem, 2010

David Černý’s Golem is a 2.5-meter steel sculpture installed on Aleje Marcinkowskiego in Poznań in 2010. Despite the weight of its material, the work appears light, dynamic, and openwork — as if striding proudly down the street.

The figure of the Golem derives from Jewish tradition — an artificial man made of clay by Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel, a historical figure associated with both Poznań and Prague. The Golem was believed to protect the Jewish community from pogroms, later becoming a symbol of uncontrollable force.

Formally, the sculpture draws on the aesthetics of Italian Futurism, evoking a sense of movement and energy. Although the artist is known for controversial works such as the notorious Entropa, the Poznań Golem was intended to carry a gentler character. Nevertheless, it has repeatedly fallen victim to vandalism.

The work was created in cooperation with the Wielkopolska Society for the Encouragement of Fine Arts.