Panel Discussion: Sculpture, Object, Stage

12.02.2014

with Wolfgang Luy (HFG Offenbach), Martin Schwenk (AfBK Mainz), Wolfgang Winter (Städelschule), moderated by Holger Kube Ventura

In sculpture the distance between the two poles of figural works on pedestals and context-based installations has long disappeared, so that now there are many transitional formats, which incorporate the elements of “sculpture,” “object,” and “stage.” All three panelists are artists and teach sculpture in the Rhein-Main region at three different art academies, each with a unique educational profile. The discussion addressed the self-understanding of artists working in the field of sculpture and accompanying educational concepts—before the backdrop of an art business oriented towards both canvases and immaterial works of art.

After training with a photographer and studying photography 1974–1980, Wolfgang Luy (born 1949) enrolled in the class of Klaus Rinke at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. His work includes site-specific constructions, wall sculptures, and floor sculptures. He has been Professor for Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design at the Offenbach University of Art and Design (HFG Offenbach) since 1989.

Martin Schwenk (born 1960) completed his studies in the master class of Günther Uecker at the Düsseldorf Art Academy in 1988. His sculptures often span the realms of the artificial and the natural, or art and nature. He has worked as Professor for Sculpture at The Mainz Academy of Arts (AfBK Mainz) since 2011.

Wolfgang Winter (born 1960) studied at the Städelschule in Frankfurt from 1986 to 1989. Together with Berthold Hörbelt he has been developing site- and room-specific installations and sculptural interventions since 1992, which usually contain a participatory element, such as the “Kastenhaus” (Crate House) series. He has been teaching at the Städelschule since 1993, where he is the Director of the Sculpture Workshop.