Two-dimensional Three-dimensionality

Winni Schaak’s minimalistic constructions are characterised by straight lines and powerful curves, convex, concave and even flat surfaces. His forms are clear and balanced. Partly one is reminded of architecture, partly of organic creatures, whose strict geometric shapes are at the same time full of vitality. Not only Winni Schaak’s small-format sculptures but also his monumental outdoor pieces are at once weighty and weightless. And that is the case although they are produced of solid materials such as bronze or stainless steel. Predominantly, however, Winni Schaak uses cortensteel, which is a weatherproof steel whose rusty and yet smooth surface gives his sculptures warmth and depth.

At the moment Schaak is working on a series of sculptures which he calls “Kopfkartons”. The basically clear cubic forms of these “Kopfkartons” obtain enormous complexity through twists, rotations and openings. Thus the observer is rewarded with unexpected perspectives. The “Kopfkartons” appear enigmatic, irritating. There are no horizontal or vertical lines. Instead, the planes of his “Kopfkartons”, like those of the “Perspective”-series, seem to have tipped from a right-angle

Winni Schaak plays with perspective; spatial objects appear to become two-dimensional surface areas. Schaak says: “I am fascinated by the two-dimensionality within three-dimensionality.” Methodical, precise and with technical perfection Schaak manages to translate this fascination into his welded constructions. As a result, Schaak has created extraordinary sculptures.

Cornelia Wichtendahl
Art historian, Galerist