British sculptor Tony Cragg believes that everything in human existence has sculptural qualities, from the way we move our hands to how we form thoughts and emotions. For decades, his central motivation has been to find forms that touch people and serve as a counterpoint to the monotonous, repetitive aesthetics of the commercial world.
Cragg, who has lived in Wuppertal, Germany since 1977, views art as inherently political - a poetic reaction against conformity. His mission is to make visible what is not yet there and does not yet exist. Currently, a retrospective exhibition titled 'Line of Thought' showcases his work in his adopted German city.
The sculptor's philosophy extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing neuronal brain activity and emotional formation as sculptural elements. This comprehensive view of sculpture reflects his belief that art represents the most fundamentally human activity possible.
Cragg's work stands as a deliberate opposition to mass-produced consumer culture, offering alternative aesthetic experiences that challenge viewers' perceptions. Through his sculptures, he seeks to create new visual languages that expand beyond existing forms and concepts.
The retrospective in Wuppertal provides insight into decades of artistic development by an artist who has made Germany his home while maintaining his distinctive British perspective on contemporary sculpture and its role in society.
