Sculptor Erwin Wurm in Duisburg: Art standing on its head
Visitors can become part of a sculpture at the current Erwin Wurm exhibition in Germany. The Austrian sculptor's art is political - but also funny. For him, humor can be a weapon.
A punchy reception
This oversized boxing glove on a pedestal in front of the Küppersmühle Museum in Duisburg attracts the attention of visitors. A copy of the work is also part of the current Martin Luther exhibition taking place in Wittenberg. But there's a dent at the location of the ring finger. Has a car driven over it? That's the kind of dry humor Austrian sculptor Erwin Wurm brings to his work.
Obese tendencies
This sculpture was still being unwrapped when this photo was taken. Though they might look ridiculous at first glance, Wurm's untitled fat man sculptures are serious eye-catchers: "You laugh at first, but when you look again and again, a deeper meaning manifests itself," says Wurm.
Small format in pink
Wurm has become internationally known for his "Fat Cars" and other XXL sculptures. But the sculptor also likes to work in smaller dimensions. In the Lehmbruck Museum in Duisburg - also participating in the double exhibition -, these sculptures look almost like models. They are bound to confuse viewers at first glance - so they'll take a closer look.
Provocative gesture
He is more interested in the principles of sculpture and the expansion of the visual experience than in classical forms, says Wurm. "There are always two works of art: one is in my head, the other is in front of me. If both are congruent, it is optimal. But this is never the case," he says of his work.
Situational comedy
Wurm's humor does not stop when he himself becomes an artistic object himself. Here, he seems to evoke the well-known symbol of the three wise monkeys. But unlike the monkeys he seem to be very good at seeing, hearing and speaking. Imbuing his works with depth, Wurm manages to bring the artist as a creator down from his pedestal.
Life-sized artist
Not only his sculptures seem larger than life. Wurm also blows up his own portrait. The artist grins at the viewer from a wall-length mural and succeeds in catching their eye. Which of the Erwin Wurms is the real one?
Mad artist with meaning
Erwin Wurm is representing Austria at this year's Venice Bienniale together with the lighting artist Brigitte Krowanz. He has placed his special sculptures outside and inside the Austrian Pavilion, including this upturned truck titled "Stand quiet and look out over the Mediterranean Sea, 2017." It's part of his series of "One Minute Sculptures," which ask viewers to interact.