Günther Uecker, Do it Yourself

“[The nail is] the ideal object with which to model light and shadow – to make time visible[…] It protrudes as a tactile feeler from the flat surface, much like a sundial” – Günther Uecker

Günther Uecker, a distinguished German sculptor, painter, printmaker and op artist, is renowned for his innovative use of nails as a primary medium for artistic expression. Born in 1930 in Wendorf, his signature technique involves meticulously hammering nails into various substrates, a process he views as a meditative ritual deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies. This unique approach allows Uecker to transform everyday objects, such as furniture, musical instruments, and household items, into complex, tactile artworks that extend beyond the conventional boundaries of two-dimensional art to become sculptural and graphical explorations of form and shadow. In his abstract sculptures, paintings and the medium of print, Uecker often incorporates the interplay of light and shadow to enhance the visual impact of his nail sculptures. The strategic use of lighting adds a dynamic element, casting intricate shadows that shift and evolve with the viewer’s perspective, thereby enriching the experience of the artwork. This fascination with light and its effects is a hallmark of his style, making each artwork a study in contrast and perception. As a founding member of the ZERO group, alongside Heinz Mack and Otto Piene, Günther Uecker played a pivotal role in defining a new direction for post-war art in Europe. The ZERO movement, established as a counter-response to the emotionally charged German Art Informel, emphasized a clean slate for artistic creation through the use of unconventional materials and techniques. The group’s philosophy was rooted in the idea of redefining art in the context of a recovering post-war society, focusing on purity, light, and kinetic energy. Günther Uecker’s body of work, including his sculptures, paintings and limited edition prints, has consistently pushed the boundaries of abstract art. His abstract prints and sculptures not only showcase his mastery of form and material but also reflect his deep commitment to creating art that encourages viewers to explore and interpret free from traditional constraints. His admonition to “assert yourself first” encapsulates his ethos of artistic independence and innovation, guiding his practice and inspiring a new artistic environment that continues to influence contemporary art today. Throughout his career, Günther Uecker’s artworks have been exhibited in renowned art institutions worldwide, including documenta in Kassel (1964, 1968, and 1977), the Venice Biennale (1970), Kunsthalle Bern (1966), Moderna Museet in Stockholm (1971), Nationalgalerie in Berlin (1982), mumok in Vienna (1992), Museu de Arte Moderna in Rio de Janeiro (1996), Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts (2012), and Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf (2015).

Günther Uecker, Do it Yourself