Thomas Schütte

(Germany) *1954 in Oldenburg

In his multifaceted sculptural work, Thomas Schütte succeeds in constantly generating new approaches and forms. He is preoccupied with the exploration of architecture, history and the culture of remembrance – as in the works presented at Blickachsen 14: the two identical sculptures “Tribute to Moondog” are a homage to the eccentric composer and musician Louis Thomas Hardin (1916-1999), who named himself “Moondog” after his guide dog. The work breaks with the convention of the commemorative bust by not depicting the outward appearance of the person portrayed, but here instead visualizing his given name. The steel sculpture “Nuclear Temple” is classified by the artist himself as an “architectural model”. In fact, the size of the archways and the niches above them suggest a possible function as a model for an octagonal domed building. The centre of the three-metre-high sculpture is illuminated by a light opening at the highest point of the dome.
Thomas Schütte, who was already represented in Blickachsen 13, studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. Exhibitions dedicated to him have been held at prestigious institutions around the world. A multiple documenta participant, he was awarded the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale in 2005.

Blickachsen 13 (2023)
Although Thomas Schütte’s work encompasses sculpture, drawing and painting in equal measure, it is as a sculptor, and initially for his architectonic models, that he is known. Closely followed by figurative sculpture and suggestive installations, which often also open a critical, and at times ironical, view on society and social contexts. From large-scale sculpture to small objects, he continues to work with a broad range of materials and forms, and manages time and again to surprize with new approaches. To Blickachsen 13 Schütte contributes two larger-than-life bronzes, “United Enemies”, originally created in many different variants as barely 40 cm high pairs of figures made of Fimo modelling clay, fabric and cord. Inseparably knotted together, bald-headed and with faces grotesquely twisted, they stand like tied-up tripods on a meadow in the Bad Homburg Kurpark – battle-ready pairs of enemies, unable to stir themselves and forced, indeed wedged, together, until they perhaps in time calm down in mutual understanding.
Thomas Schütte studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy and has been exhibited worldwide in major exhibitions. For his presentation at the 2005 Venice Biennale he was awarded the Golden Lion.