Tony Cragg on Art, Rome, and the Power of Sculpture

Tony Cragg, the British-born German sculptor (Liverpool, 1949), discusses his dual Rome projects: the exhibition 'Infinite forme e bellissime' at the Baths of Diocletian and the installation of three large sculptures in the historic city center, both curated by Stéphane Verger and Sergio Risaliti. Cragg explains that his approach to the Baths was inspired by music, creating a symphony of contrasts between ancient materials like wood and vibrant bronze. He notes that public reactions to his urban sculptures are strong, often of astonishment, confirming art's power in public spaces. Cragg emphasizes that experimentation is central to his practice, learning daily from materials and techniques. He believes art's purpose is to evoke emotions and stimulate thought, calling the human mind the most important material. On technology, he uses it only for production processes and dismisses AI as lacking consciousness and emotion. Cragg's upcoming projects include a set design for Jean-Philippe Rameau's opera 'Castor et Pollux' in Meiningen, and exhibitions in Heidelberg and Darmstadt. He reflects on the evolution of contemporary art from a niche interest to a mass phenomenon, citing a Düsseldorf museum show that attracted over 135,000 visitors. Cragg asserts art's social duty to disrupt everyday monotony and inspire creativity, especially in today's historical moment.