Alicia Penalba (Argentinian, 1918-1982)

Alicia Penalba was an Argentine sculptor, tapestry designer, and weaver. She originally sought a career in drawing and painting. However, in 1950, during her stay in Paris, she decided to commit entirely to sculpture. Penalba specialized in vertical organic forms and drew inspiration from fellow sculptors Etienne Martin and Etienne Hajdu. Her works are part of the non-figurative abstract art movement and tie in with work of Martin, Hajdu, Francois Stahly, Karl-Jean Longuet, Simone Boisecq, and Marta Colvin who staged a renewal of sculptural form.