Hans Arp, Ruhendes Blatt (Resting Leaf, 1959) Photo: Image courtesy Stiftung Arp e.V . and Hauser & Wirth. Photo: © Dominique Uldry
Schlossgut Schwante Sculpture Park, founded by Dr. Loretta Würtenberger and Daniel Tümpel, has announced the new opening date for its launch in Brandenburg, Germany, on June 19, 2020. The inaugural exhibition Sculpture & Nature – featuring works by artists including Tony Cragg, Maria Loboda and Ai Weiwei – will run throughout the summer months for national audiences, closing on October 30, 2020. Schlossgut Schwante will celebrate widely with international audiences in Spring 2021.
“We are thrilled to finally open Schlossgut Schwante Sculpture Park. We have, of course, had to be flexible to the evolving situation, entirely adapting and shifting our event programme to this new timeframe. However, it is moments like these that allow us to reflect on the power of art to restore, uplift and inspire – offering hope for the future,” commented Würtenberger and Tümpel.
As social distancing measures continue, Schlossgut Schwante – spanning 200,000 sq. meters – provides a safe space to encounter art in a rural environment. A rare opportunity to explore outdoor sculpture in Northern and Eastern Germany, the Sculpture Park is located only 25 km outside of Berlin and 45 minutes from Berlin-Mitte.
The exhibition Sculpture & Nature situates 24 sculptures in conversation with their natural surroundings, including Echo by Carsten Nicolai, a dedicated meditation space reflecting a similar echo chamber to one the artist discovered in Angkor Wat. A neon installation by Björn Dahlem juts and divides the outdoor space, at odds with the fluid, organic forms of the outdoor landscape. Dan Graham’s glass pavilion creates a viewing room which frames the surrounding environment, whilst Monika Sosnowska’s steel staircase spirals upwards, towering into the sky.
In line with German government safety regulations, visitors can also enjoy the new restaurant, serving a small menu of specially crafted simple, locally grown, organic food. Featuring artwork by Moroccan artist Hicham Berrada, the restaurant overlooks the lake where diners can view Martin Creed’s iconic neon work: Everything is going to be alright – a poignant message mirrored in the water’s reflection. On site is a farm shop offering local produce, including Wagyu beef, marmalades, juices and distilled spirits, as well as ceramics and crafts by local artisans and art publications.
The park’s programme will regularly renew, showcasing an international group of artists, accompanied by a series of events. In the future, events will include a ‘Yoga & Arts Festival’, agricultural markets, artist led talks and tours, monthly film nights led by director Joachim von Vietinghoff, dance performances and photography classes. Access to Schlossgut Schwante will be free of charge for those living in Schwante, and for children under 16 years.
