Venske & Spänle's "Helotrophe" at Luftmuseum Amberg: Marble Creatures That Defy Sculptural Tradition
Since 1997, Julia Venske and Gregor Spänle, who first crossed paths at the sculpture school in Laas, South Tyrol, have been pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture. Their exhibition titled "Helotrophe" at Luftmuseum Amberg, which will be open until January 17, 2027, showcases marble sculptures that, despite their solid material, convey a sense of softness and organicity. The duo has crafted over 500 marble creations, including unique forms like "Smörfs" and "Gumpfoten." While they draw inspiration from Hans Arp's biomorphic style, they also assign distinct names and narratives to their works. A standout piece is "Autoeater," featuring a Fiat Panda encased in a 16-ton block of Carrara marble. The exhibition is located at Eichenforstgäßchen 12, 92224 Amberg, with visiting hours from Wed–Thu 14–17, Fri–Sun 11–17; closed Mon–Tue, Dec 24–25, Jan 1.
Key facts
- Exhibition "Helotrophe" by Venske & Spänle at Luftmuseum Amberg runs until January 17, 2027.
- Julia Venske and Gregor Spänle met at the sculpture school in Laas, South Tyrol, and have collaborated since 1997.
- Their marble sculptures appear soft and organic but are made from one of the hardest materials.
- They have created over 500 marble creatures with invented names like "Smörfs," "Gumpfoten," "Myzoten," "Sauger," "Orophyten," and "Helotrophen."
- Art historically, they are linked to Hans Arp's biomorphic sculpture from the 1930s.
- The work "Autoeater" features a Fiat Panda encased in a thin marble layer, using a 16-ton block of Carrara marble.
- The duo works in Halle 6 in Munich.
- The exhibition is on the ground floor at Eichenforstgäßchen 12, 92224 Amberg; opening hours: Wed–Thu 14–17, Fri–Sun and holidays 11–17; closed Mon–Tue, Dec 24–25, and Jan 1.
Entities
Artists
- Julia Venske
- Gregor Spänle
- Hans Arp
Institutions
- Luftmuseum Amberg
- Bildhauerschule Laas
- Halle 6
Locations
- Amberg
- Germany
- Laas
- South Tyrol
- Italy
- Munich
- Carrara