Edited by Bingyi / Photo by Haipei
The ‘Echo of Poseidon’ by Markus Lüpertz is an imposing work of art that stands as a testament to the sculptor’s unique ability to bring together the tangible and intangible realms of existence into a single, striking figure. Presented by Galerie Reitz at Art Karlsruhe 2023, this masterwork beckons the viewer to engage with its multi-layered story.
The first impression of the sculpture is one of grandeur and solemnity, evoking the mythological figure of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The powerful lines and bold composition reveal Lüpertz’s prowess in creating monumental forms that not only command space but also engage the viewer on an emotional and intellectual level. Lüpertz’s choice of materials and his approach to form and structure provide a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, suggesting both the fluidity of the ocean and the solidity of the god himself. His ability to transform the solid medium into an embodiment of fluidity and power creates an aura of arresting immediacy.
The god’s visage is one of introspective dignity, a display of divine power subtly tempered by an apparent sense of worldly burden. Lüpertz successfully manifests an atmosphere of restrained majesty that invites contemplation on the nature of power, the burden of duty, and the inherent loneliness of a deity. Connecting this profound work to Franz Kafka’s portrayal of Poseidon introduces a new layer of interpretation. Much like Kafka’s Poseidon, who is consumed by administrative duties and hardly ever sees the sea he rules, Lüpertz’s Poseidon seems weighted by an overwhelming sense of duty. His portrayal suggests an omnipotent deity ironically detached from his own dominion, a powerful figure entangled in the mundane.
Kafka’s text concludes with a wistful imagination of Poseidon taking a brief tour of his realm just before the world’s end. This imagined moment of deferred gratification resonates strongly with the introspective and burdened demeanor of Lüpertz’s Poseidon. This striking parallel between Lüpertz’s and Kafka’s Poseidon deepens the poignancy of the sculpture and enhances its value as a social commentary. It is a powerful reminder of the paradoxical human condition, in which the longing for liberation and the constraints of duty constantly collide.
In ‘Echo of Poseidon,’ Markus Lüpertz transcends the boundaries of classical sculpture to explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of a deity. Through the prism of Kafka’s Poseidon, the sculpture gains additional depth, creating a multidimensional dialogue that reflects on power, responsibility, and the perennial human struggle for freedom amidst the confines of duty. This masterwork is undoubtedly a significant contribution to contemporary art.
Began in 2004, Art KARLSRUHE is an international fair for classic modern and contemporary art that was founded by gallery owner Ewald Karl Schrade, who has remained the fair’s curator to this day, making it unique as the only fair in German-speaking Europe that has been under the aegis of the same director since its inception. Born in Gomaringen in 1941, Schrade began his career in the insurance industry before opening his first gallery in Reutlingen in 1971. His gallery has been dedicated to Contemporary and Classic Modern art for the past four decades, with a focus on connections to regionally rooted, internationally successful, and globally recognized art. This time in 2023 will be the last time that Ewald Karl Schrade lead this art fair as the director. The fair offers a wide variety of art, ranging from classical modern to contemporary art. It is expected to attract around 50,000 visitors and feature more than 200 international galleries presenting their gallery program and one-artist-shows. The fair showcases over 120 years of art history and is unique in its arrangement of gallery stands in interplay with spacious Sculpture Areas and One-Artist-Shows in comprehensibly structured, light-flooded halls. Comparing to other German art fairs, Art KARLSRUHE has a unique focus on a blend of classic modern and contemporary art, with a comprehensive representation of the art of the 20th century and latest artworks fresh from the artists’ ateliers. It is particularly embedded in the local art community of Baden-Württemberg, surrounded by great private collections such as Grässlin (St. Georgen), Schaufler (Sindelfingen), Hoppe-Ritter (Waldenbuch), Museum Würth (Schwäbisch Hall and elsewhere) and Frieder Burda Foundation (Baden-Baden).
