Max Gärtner’s latest body of work explores the interplay between beauty and decay, serving as a catalyst for the quest for meaning. As a multidisciplinary artist, Gärtner has long been captivated by humanity’s pursuit to comprehend the finite nature of life and our collective aspiration to find greater purpose beyond basic existence.

Within his artwork, the artist draws striking parallels between timeless symbols found in ancient spiritual practices and their enduring impact on our modern relationship with creation and destruction. This connection becomes evident through his subject choices, which intuitively guide viewers on a multi-layered journey through our shared search for purpose:

The Serpent is an ancient symbol representing the eternal and cyclical nature of time. The Horse symbolizes humanity’s desire and capacity to exert control over nature. The Mask, is a pivotal element in rituals commemorating life and death, preserving the essence of the human spirit.

Gärtner examines the physicality and structural essence of these prolific archetypal symbols, revealing a delicate vulnerability beneath their inherent power. Through various techniques such as papercuts, ceramics, and wooden sculptures, he translates soft tissues into intricate configurations, alluding to the transient quality of earthly existence.

By celebrating the finite and impermanent nature of life through his sculptural forms, Gärtner emphasizes the inherent beauty within it. He conveys the notion that “meaning and connection are forged through the pursuit of a lasting impact in the face of inevitable decay.”

“Corpus Impermanent” serves as an ode to the ephemeral essence of life, acting as a conduit for creation. This body of work invites viewers to contemplate the profound and intricate role of symbols that have connected humanity throughout the ages.