German artist reflects man’s sufferings at Tehran exhibit

TEHRAN,Sept.18(MNA) -- German sculptor and op artist Gunther Uecker has reflected man’s sufferings in his exhibit “Injuries and Connections”, which was inaugurated at the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art (TMCA) on Sunday. The 82-year old Uecker is believed to be one of the most famous German artists since World War II. The German Ambassador Brand Erbel, curator Alexander Tolnay, TMCA director Ehsan Aqaii and Uecker were participating in the opening ceremony, the TMCA announced in a press release on Monday. This exhibit reflects the threats and injuries man has suffered in life over the years, Uecker said at the opening ceremony. He stressed that art cannot save man by itself, but it can be a medium to help man achieve freedom. Tolnay next called Uecker a major contemporary artist in Germany with over 50 years of activity, whose works reflect the cultural and social roots of his time. He said that the works on display are divided into two sections: the first part of which includes Uecker’s paintings and sculptures that display the injuries. The second part covers Uecker’s works on pieces of paper indicating his concerns, he added. Tolnay called the artworks a mixture of art and life highlighting beauty and the truth. Ambassador Erbel stated that Uecker is known as an artist who helped revive art after the World War II. His diverse works play a major role not only in Germany but in the world, he said, adding, “He has an unbelievable power of creativity.” Uecker has made journeys to different parts of the world and his experience is reflected in his works, the ambassador said. Uecker’s oeuvre includes paintings, object arts and installations as well as stage designs and films. He is mostly interested in eastern European avant-garde of the 1920s and 1930s, but he is likewise fascinated by Asian cultures and their ideas. His works can be seen in collections and at large fairs in both the West and the East. Uecker’s artistic creativity reached a climax in 2000 with the prayer room he designed for the rebuilt Reichstag building in Berlin. The exhibition will be running at the museum until November 1.