Stefan Rinck

∗1973, Germany
lives and works in Berlin, Germany

The sandstone sculptures by Stefan Rinck (*1973, Germany) are reminiscent of figures from a medieval bestiary or of the gargoyles on cathedral roofs and towers that served to chase away evil spirits and demons. Rinck, who also studied German literature and philosophy, finds his sources of inspiration in various epochs of art, in mythology and in the worlds of make-believe, humorously combining them with contemporary, comic-like imagery. Today, Stefan Rinck places them on pedestals or on the floor positioning them in military formations alongside humanoid generals and re-endues them with their demonic potentials, which have been suppressed under the modern condition. As true swindlers, the animals and figures always strive for more than their origin allows them, as a metaphor for the evolution of man. In possession of a self-conscious mind, just like humans, they have been expelled from paradise. The sculptures are eager to adopt intellectual symbols: pointed hats as regalia of scholarship or alchemy, the cross as a symbol of morality, the robe as a sign of profane power and have a vision to defeat man using his very own means.

Ha partecipato a:

• Biennale Gherdëina 7 | -a breath? -a name? The ways of worldmaking