Wirbelsäule / Spinal Column

The monumental size, black patina, and unusual formal language of this artwork allow it to merge into the space between park and architecture, while remaining an independent entity. Walking around the Spinal Column, one is surprised by how quickly the form shifts and suddenly changes its appearance.

On the one hand, the Spinal Column appears to be a continuous expanding and contracting form; on the other hand, it resembles a multi-part organic growth that has been pulled apart in segments and its inner rhythm is emotionally strung together by constrictions.

In fact, despite the relative simplicity of its design – a central axis with stacked varying circular volumes – the sculpture becomes an emotionally charged object due to the central axis deviations and the resulting displacements.

Tony Cragg is revisiting an ancient sculptural principal here, namely, building up a form around a freestanding central axis. Through an emotional and calculated process, he applies it to a new image, beautiful for no reason, an event of its own.

Additional information: www.publicartwiki.org/wiki/Kategorie:Verzeichnis_Viersen