Germany
* November 16, 1954 Oldenburg
Unlike many other sculptors, Thomas Schütte’s artistic work lacks a clearly identifiable unique selling point; great versatility and a refusal to be categorized is the unmistakable trademark of what is perhaps the most important German sculptor of our time. This is reflected in both his techniques and his works.
Schütte works with metal, bronze, steel, clay, wood or glass, deliberately alternating between monumental outdoor sculptures, installations, architectural models and smaller works. Figurative works sit alongside abstract forms; there are no limits to the forms he creates. “United Enemies”, one of his best-known groups of works, attracted worldwide attention.
An early architectural model by Schütte became reality in 2016, after an intensive design phase, with the Skulpturenhalle Neuss. This is an exhibition hall in which both his own sculptures and works by other artists are displayed. At the same time, the building serves as a depot, as the artist only sells about a quarter of his works to collectors. The exhibition hall is not only a museum and depot, but a work of art in itself; the boundaries between model, object of art and real architecture become fluid.
