Fragile Dynamics. A Retrospective by Guido Stadelmann

Description

The retrospective Fragile Dynamics pays tribute to the many years of work by Zurich glass artist Guido Stadelmann (*1952). At the center of the exhibition is the human being, who appears in his fragile glass figures between inwardness, everyday action, and physical movement. Roland Widmer, founder of Fundsachenverkauf.ch, initiated this retrospective out of his appreciation for Guido Stadelmann's work. The exhibition is curated by art historians Chelsea A. Neuweiler and Sophia M. Vogt.

The complexity of emotions
Guido Stadelmann's glass figures pass through different states of mind, to which the exhibition is dedicated. The attempt to capture emotions and personality traits ranges from the ancient theory of temperaments according to Hippocrates to modern models such as the DISG system. Fragile Dynamics takes up this consistent approach and groups the figures according to the four archetypal temperaments. The classification makes emotional states legible and creates access to their emotional worlds. Spread over four rooms on the second floor, restless and optimistic sanguine people, sluggish and balanced phlegmatic people, thoughtful and profound melancholic people, and irascible and determined choleric people come together. The glass figures created by Guido Stadelmann interact with each other: they seek interaction, linger quietly next to each other, withdraw to the edge of the room, or engage in tense confrontations.

Everyday actions and physical movement
In addition to the figures embodying inwardness and emotional states, the artist also explores physical activities or everyday actions. This group of works is exhibited on the third floor. Here, visitors encounter glass figures in motion: they play sports—such as with a hula hoop or on a motorcycle—walk their dogs, or playfully interact with traffic signs. After the intensive focus on emotional figures, this part of the exhibition offers a humorous and amusing perspective.

The creation of a glass figure
The exhibition is complemented by a video showing the process of creating a glass figure. The entire process is visible, from the initial sketch to melting and molding. The glass appears no longer hard and rigid but dynamic and powerful—despite the fragility of the material remaining.

Guido Stadelmann
Guido Stadelmann grew up in Zurich and trained as an apparatus glassblower in 1968. After four years, he switched to artisan glassblowing and shortly thereafter founded his own studio for glass design in Zurich. His work focuses on recurring motifs such as people and trees. His works have been exhibited in numerous shows in Switzerland and abroad, including at the Musée Olympique in Lausanne, the Museum Bellerive in Zurich, and the Musée de Beaux-Arts in Rouen. The retrospective Fragile Dynamics pays tribute to his many years of work and provides a comprehensive insight into the development of his glass sculptures.

Location

Kapellplatz 5, 6004 Luzern, Schweiz

Hide Map

Loading map...

How to get there

Get Directions