Born in Kalisz, Poland, Alina Szapocznikow survived the Holocaust before studying sculpture in Prague and Paris. Her early training in traditional stone carving eventually gave way to a more radical practice that challenged the boundaries of post-war European sculpture.

Her signature work often involved casting parts of her own body, such as lips, stomachs, or legs, to create fragmented, visceral objects. By utilizing synthetic materials and casting techniques, she bridged the gap between surrealism, nouveau réalisme, and pop art, focusing on the vulnerability of the flesh.

Though her career was cut short by her death in 1973, her influence has grown significantly in the 21st century. Her work is frequently included in major international exhibitions exploring the intersection of modernist sculpture and the human condition, cementing her status as a pivotal figure in 20th-century art.