Olaf Holzapfel

(Germany) *1967 in Dresden

Olaf Holzapfel uses traditional craft techniques and local materials in the development and production of his installations and objects. In this way, he creates artistic spaces whose clear forms and accessible structures open up scope for action and experience outside established norms. For Blickachsen 14, Holzapfel has designed a retreat in the urban natural environment inspired by the modest dwellings of philosophical hermits (from Diogenes to Hieronymus to Thoreau). The concept of the ‘chapel‘ (Kapelle) in the title is borrowed from the ‘follies‘ of the 18th century: curious buildings that first adorned princely landscape gardens, expressing a longing for untouched nature, but could also serve as spaces for reflection in times of change. The half-timbered structure, thatched with straw and compacted with wickerwork, invites visitors to linger and give free rein to their own thoughts, or to take a seat with others.
Olaf Holzapfel studied at the HfbK Dresden, with study visits to India and the USA. In addition to participating in group exhibitions worldwide, he has presented numerous solo exhibitions, most recently on the occasion of his being awarded the Zurich Art Prize (2024).