Michael Zwingmann
Invasion (1999)
Lakeside
Michael Zwingmann, born in Hanover in 1964, is concerned with making sculptures that interact with their environments.
Invasion consists of five, massive cylindrical asphalt forms, each 1.83 metres in height and weighing almost five tonnes. The work is made by pouring liquid asphalt into large steel formers, which hardens as it cools.
The use of this severe, construction material relates to the subtitle of the sculpture: The Noise of the Road Penetrates into the Park. Dr Uwe Rüth of the Skulpturenmuseum Glaskasten Marl in Germany wrote in 1999 that the subtitle may refer to The Noise of the Street Enters the House, an Umberto Boccioni painting created in 1911.
Boccioni was part of the Futurist movement, which originated in Italy in the early 20th century and celebrated technological advances, believing machines such as cars and planes to be man-made triumphs over nature.
In referencing the Futurist’s optimistic view of the technological age, Zwingmann could be proposing that what was once seen to be an achievement over nature, has come to be considered an assault; the title, material and presence of the piece suggesting an invasion of the natural landscape.
The work is sited on a former football field and from a distance the sculpture resembles black hay bales. Closer inspection, however, reveals the solidity and potential menace of the material and Invasion demonstrates a collision between the man-made and natural worlds.
This work is kindly loaned by the artist and Galerie Scheffel, Germany
Further information:
YSP Essential Sculpture Guide entry for Michael Zwingmann
Links:
Michael Zwingmann's biography at Galerie Scheffel