"The act of creating a sculpture is, for me, about exposing the tension between material and its limits. In my works, I aim to engage the viewer in a dialogue between what is seen and what is felt, between the tangible and the imagined."
Stephan Marienfeld, born in 1966, is a German sculptor whose practice redefines traditional approaches to material and form. Trained as a stone sculptor and serving as an assistant to Anthony Cragg, Marienfeld's early career was shaped by his exposure to methods that challenged the conventional boundaries of sculpture. Since 2003, he has held a teaching position at the Freie Kunstakademie in Essen, where he continues to contribute to the development of emerging talents in the arts.
Central to Marienfeld's body of work is his "Bondage" series, which juxtaposes soft, rounded forms constrained by tightly drawn ropes. These works investigate the tension between freedom and control, inviting viewers to consider the interplay of opposites within their tactile, highly polished surfaces. Similarly, his "Dislikes" series employs vibrant colors and fluid shapes in lacquered polyester, presenting objects that seem simultaneously playful and restrained, often bound to walls, trees, or other structures. Through these series, Marienfeld invites exploration into the physical and emotional boundaries of materiality.
Marienfeld's sculptures span a variety of mediums, including bronze, aluminum, concrete, and high-gloss finishes, often referencing organic, biomorphic shapes or the human form. His works are free-standing, demanding engagement from all angles, with surfaces that respond dynamically to light and shadow. This interplay of perception and materiality lies at the heart of his practice, blending formal precision with conceptual depth.
Over his career, Marienfeld has exhibited internationally in prominent spaces, including the Venice Biennale and the Museum Voorlinden, and his works are featured in private and institutional collections. Recognized with numerous awards, his practice continues to evolve, maintaining its focus on material exploration and the dialogue between form and viewer.