Reto Steiner: Formwild

Former artist-in-residence Reto Steiner from Switzerland is showing his recent works in the solo exhibition 'Formwild' at Galerie König Büro in Zurich (Swizerland).

In stone sculpture, "Formwild" refers to unprocessed stone blocks or rubble, such as those found in landscaping. The trained stonemason Reto Steiner (*1978, Frutigen BE) uses such unshaped stones, enabling a dialogue between malleability and wildness. As the "tamer" of stones, he controls them while simultaneously setting them free. He is interested in the resistance of the material and the process by which shapes emerge. He continues the millennia-old history of sculpture but removes the natural sanctity and heaviness of the stone, giving it flexibility and relevance. He uses inexpensive and used stones like a sketchpad, directly applying his ideas with a milling machine. This rapid mechanical process is complemented by hand-sanding the surfaces.

His motifs arise from ideas, feelings, and the act of creation. He carves fleeting thoughts into stone, playfully engaging with proverbial expressions. The resulting forms intrigue, fascinate, and leave room for interpretation. If a relief doesn't succeed, Steiner discards it. It's an unstrained and uncompromising approach to working with stone, offering new freedoms and bringing light-ness and authenticity. Steiner prefers the form of reliefs because it allows for sketch-like treatment of a defined image space with simultaneous three-dimensionality.

A special feature is his reliefs made from melted stone. Stone melting is an entirely unexplored ar-tistic field, and Steiner is one of the few working in it. At melting temperatures of 1100 degrees and above, timing when to stop the process is crucial. Being able to let go and yet control the process defines the artist's expertise. The creation of a relief is due to the heat-induced bonding of the base, a clay slab, with the stone.

Reto Steiner was in residence at the Swatch Art Peace Hotel from spring to summer 2024.

Exhibition: August 31 - October 12, 2024

Venue: Galerie König Büro, Birmensdorferstrasse 299, 8055 Zürich