Premio Combat Prize

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION
The metal sculptures of Markus Gehrig are characterized by precision and accuracy and deal in their rectilinearity in a playful way with geometrical forms. He creates spatial constructs through overlapping volumes and planes that form a harmonious composition through formal reduction to the essential. It is fine lines and narrow joints that cut solid appearing blocks on predefined axes, or filigree constructions that give the impression of lightness and dynamic to the heavy material.
It was even before his studies of architecture that Markus Gehrig began his artistic engagement with metal as a material which is still characteristic for his sculptural work today. Also formative was his apprenticeship as an architectural draughtsman where the construction plans to him were more of an artwork than a basic necessity for planned building projects.
The fascination for metal as material also stem from an early interest in mineralogy. The crystalline structure of ores follows a geometric order, superposition and
stratification is one inspiration for his work. The different possibilities of treating and forming the raw material such as melting, casting, forging or welding as well as being able to work with a minimal material thickness yet being solid in itself makes the material so versatile. Natural oxidation gives the surfaces a unique structure and color which underlines the sensuality of the object.
BIOGRAPHY
1974 born in Heidelberg
1993 - 1996 formation to architectural draughtsman in Heidelberg
since 1999 sculptures and objects made of metal
with exhibitions and works in France, Austria,
Switzerland and Germany
1999 - 2003 studies of architecture in Berlin and Karlsruhe
2003 diploma in architecture in Karlsruhe
2004 - 2007 freelancing architect in Austria and Germany
since 2006 member of the architectural association of
Baden-Wuerttemberg
since 2006 freelancing architect focused on construction in
existing contexts, free space planning
sacred buildings, room installations and
design of objects
since 2006 member of the artist association
ligne et couleur Stuttgart
with exhibitions in France, Italy and Germany
since 2010 member of sculpture network
since 2010 studio for sculpture and architecture in Stuttgart
with exhibitions and projects in
France,Austria and Germany
2011 - 2012 work and exhibitions in France
2012 - 2014 president of the artist association
ligne et couleur Stuttgart
2012 - 2015 architectural art projects in Germany
exhibitions in Germany, France and Italy
2014 PARALLAX ART FAIR London
2015 ARTEXPO New York
SPECTRUM Miami