Thousands of clay figures in 'Transit'
The sculptor Georg Korner aka Matthias Körner has a liking for monumental projects. After spending 12 years recreating the façade of the Berlin City Palace, his new artwork, "Transit," is made up of 2,600 figures.
Sheer mass
These 2,600 individualized sculptures were created by the Berlin artist Georg Korner. He juxtaposed them in his work "Transit." It is a reference to Anna Seghers' novel on exile, expulsion and flight. These are the ideas the artist aims to convey with each of these standing figures.
Ruling over 2,600 sculptures
Georg Korner discovered his passion for sculpture at an early age. His fascination for the baroque angel figures of the façade of the Berlin City Palace goes back to the early 1970s. Decades later, he would be in charge of their reconstruction: He was the chief sculptor for the newly rebuilt palace. Korner is shown here in his Berlin studio with his installation, "Transit."
A mosaic of figures
One part of "Transit" consists of 999 individual figures. They are aligned in a stair-like formation at a 45-degree angle. The statues depict worshipers, saints, icons of pop culture, mythological figures, soldiers, comic heroes, and even suicide bombers. One character transitions into the next.
Captivating installation
Visitors can discover the work in the artist's studio. Even though it is not completed yet, it already appears to offer more than enough to contemplate for this man.
Individuals among the mass
Georg Korner sculpted each figure individually. They all have unique characteristics, such as this veiled woman.
Politicians, stars and superheros
Batman, Lady Gaga and politicians such as Angela Merkel, shown here, are part of "Transit."
Work in progress
In Korner's studio in Berlin, some figures are still covered and unfinished.
Months of research
Korner fetches his inspiration for his figures from various eras and artistic styles.
One theme, many faces
Georg Korner is used to spending years working intensively on a specific project. During the 12 years he spent working on the reconstruction of the baroque façade of the Berlin City Palace, he closely studied the work of Italian and Northern European baroque greats and the history of European sculpture, back to Greek antiquity.