M HKA Ensembles

Installation, 190 x 15 x 15 cm.

Collection: Collection M HKA, Antwerp (Inv. no. BK5145_M7).

The sculptures of Michael Witlatschil are labile monuments that do not so much refer to things eternal and monumental, but rather address the process of 'erection', to the self-contained energy inherent to establishing an equilibrium.  The 'stand' can (if one wishes) signify different things.  Some will mainly see here pure energy, the fight against gravity, the floating sign - the sign as reproduction of a process.  In addition to the physical aspects, others may see metaphysical references as well.

As, for example, the artist himself does.  In terms quite reminiscent of Heidegger, Witlatschil describes and comments on the process of installation in quasi-ergonomic drawings.  That which is found below the horizon line is called earth; that found above, world.  Here the art work is in service of truth, where truth is considered as the opening, the construct of the world.  We might also propose that the naked truth of the work is that it stands, stands on itself, and by so standing opens (reveals) the space.  A Michael Witlatschil sculpture is a sign with a network of references to dichotomies: human/thing, world/earth, gravity/motion, and the balance between them.