The staging of overwhelming industry in relation to contemporary humanity demands a redefinition of romanticism, which succeeds when contemporary individuals—particularly against the backdrop of “German Romanticism”—completely sever old conceptions and embrace the venture of a new romanticism: trees and branches become metal beams, leaves become heavy iron screws, decayed church ruins become neo-sacred spatial installations with materials of the 21st century.
Work Cycles
Corresponding work cycles exist for the various themes [principles] of NeoSacral_GERMAN INDUSTRIAL ROMANTICISM:
_GERMANIA Cycle
“German Eagle II”, 1999/2000
This work examines the development and character of the Germans on three levels: highest heights—philosophical, artistic, scientific—and deepest depths.
The conceptual work “German Eagle II” engages with the most important primal forces and character traits of the Germans. These are divided into nine different thematic groups. Additionally, there are three axes: The “Lower Axis” (blue) connects the lower forces, the “Mystical Axis” (yellow) the higher forces. The “Ascending Axis” (red) connects the horizontal axes and the remaining two forces.
The work was created from December 1998 to June 1999. It consists of nine drawer compartments (32 cm x 23 cm) with different materials that evoke the form of an eagle, the heraldic animal of German kings, emperors, and states dating from the Middle Ages.
When hung, the dimensions are 180 cm x 170 cm (15 cm spacing between the drawer compartments).
“Injury – Memorial for the Young Soldiers”, 2018
90 x 100 cm; three motorcycle helmets in Wehrmacht style; floor anchors; black ribbed hoses; tape in red (representing injuries to the body), in silver (representing injuries to the soul), and in gold (representing injuries to the spirit).
In World War II, millions of German youths between 16 and 25 years of age were sent to the fronts—there were no choices. When these young people returned, most were physically and/or emotionally injured. To denounce these individuals as criminals decades later from the comfort of a living room or office (von der Leyen) demonstrates arrogance and lack of character, or at the very least, a lack of empathy.
In a broader sense, this work is dedicated to the memory of all soldiers worldwide in all wars.
_NEO_SACRED Cycle
“7 Flames”, 2018
30 x 30 x 48 cm per flame on white pedestal, 7 pieces total; 360 cm with 25 cm spacing; 28 metric screws (20 cm, blue passivated), 7 black cubes and 7 glass bowls, 28 concrete connectors and various profile holders. Here the modern industrial romantic draws strength and inspiration.
Here the modern industrial romantic draws strength and inspiration.
_NEO_NATURE Cycle
“Industrial Tree”, 2018
approx. 165 x 92 cm; black cardboard (Kapa) and velcro strips, collapsible and transportable in Samsonite suitcase, including “fruit sets” of tablet strips in multiple colors. “fruit sets” of tablet strips in multiple colors.
For industrial romantics and modern nomads for individual and season-independent design of apartments and hotel rooms.
“Hymn to the Screw”, 2005
20 x 30 cm; black glass pane; 2 screws; plastic bracket;
Instead of flowers: wall decoration for industrial romantics and modern nomads.
“Industrial Human”, 2016-2018
Central element: 175 x 90 cm; round wooden plate covered with rubber mat; threaded screw; 4 metric screws (20 cm, blue passivated); 8 brackets; bandaged head with screws, USB ports, and hoses.
7 transmission stations: wooden discs covered with rubber mat; yellow insect sponges, each containing one screw; 7 rubber hoses (200 cm) containing rubber cords.
Modern humanity lives under constant influence and is sick.
The 7 transmission stations visualize this:
1. Mobile phone radiation and electro-smog
2. Poor and degenerate food
3. Spraying with heavy metals (“chem-trails” are not contrails)
4. Mental poisoning through manipulated news and TV garbage
5. Destruction of health through “medications” and vaccines
6. Bureaucratization of daily life; stress; burnout
7. Air pollution
“Breakthrough”, 2018
30 x 30 x 170 cm; 2 Briolet pedestals connected by 4 perforated plates; 4 brackets;
2 articulated hands (wood), bandaged.
The industrial romantic breaks through (to the light or to the industrial god, etc.).
_free_Cycle
“Serial Work 8.2”, 2006
70 x 106 cm (5 cm spacing); 8 black plastic plates; 8 strips with cod liver oil capsules
Instead of television: for the modern industrial romantic.
“Picture Work”, 2000
13 x 46 cm; copper plate on metal; square of black cardboard
