New Works by Stephan Balkenhol at Mai 36, Zurich, Apr 12 to May 17

Exhibition Description:

Balkenhol became interested in the history of figurative sculpture in the early 1980s. He was influenced by the minimalist strategies of his former teacher Ulrich Rückriem (Hamburger Hochschule für Bildende Künste from 1976 to 1982).

Human beings are the focal point of his work, even though animals and architecture frequently serve as models. With a simple, rough-hewn appearance, his wood sculptures represent a new form of figurative sculpture. His motifs are larger-than-life or dwarflike men, women and animals, heads and hybrid figures of humans and animals sculpted from huge tree trunks. Balkenhol uses these same tree trunks as the plinths, which are inseparably joined to the figure.

The work process creates crevasses, splinters and fissures. These have become representative of the wood as a living substance with an aesthetic dimension. As a final step, the figures are coloured and displayed singly or in groups.

The sculptures of men and women seem ageless, so ordinary in their simple, everyday clothing and attitudes that we feel we could encounter them anywhere. They are in a state of suspended animation, gazing into emptiness or at a point unknown to the observer. The figures remain distant, anonymous and enigmatic, and strangely lacking in emotion. Viewers may feel reminded of something, only to doubt their perception a moment later. This can create a feeling of discomfort because the hyper-individual and timeless figures are holding up a mirror.

With this focus, Balkenhol formulates a homage to universal humanity. This is particularly noticeable when the sculptures are in public places. The artist is contradicting the tradition of monumental sculpture by using anonymous figures instead of official authorities.

Mai 36 Galerie has been exhibiting the work by Stephan Balkenhol since 1989. Image: "Kopfsäule", 2008, wawa wood, coloured, 166 x 25 x 25 cm (65 3/8 x 9 7/8 x 9 7/8 in.). Courtesy Mai 36 Galerie, Zürich.

Education and Training:

Stephan Balkenhol was born in 1957 in Fritzlar/Hessen. He lives and works in Karlsruhe and Meisenthal/France. Balkenhol is one of the most important contemporary sculptors. He teaches at the Karlsruher Kunstakademie. His sculptures, reliefs and drawings are regularly exhibited in international museums and galleries worldwide.

Full Contact Details:

Mai 36 Galerie
Rämistrasse 37
8001 Zürich, Schweiz, Opening: Mo-Fr 11 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., Sa 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.