erwin wurm deforms domestic interior objects at frieze new york

erwin wurm deforms domestic interior objects at frieze new york
(above) snake, 2016 
image © designboom

at the 2016 edition of frieze new york, lehmann maupin gallery presents a selection of new bronze works by austrian artist erwin wurm. the three sculptures depict deformed interpretations of modern furniture and household objects, disfigured by a direct engagement with the artist himself. wurm sits, punches, crushes and drives across the original clay forms prior to casting, leaving permanent marks on their final figure. an oversized gun, a low cabinet and a sculptural dresser are arranged as a domestic interior, highlighting wurm’s engagement with everyday objects — particularly as a catalyst for challenging perceptions of volume, form, and materiality. this series continues wurm’s work with malformed and misshapen objects, beginning with the deconstruction of architectural objects, and evolving to include vintage furniture pieces and domestic items.

at frieze, the bronze pieces have been presented alongside wurm’s one minute sculpture photographs and performances. these actions are activated on site by participants who execute the artist’s drawn or written instructions for a one-minute pose, using props or architecture.

snake, 2016 | bronze with black patina
image © designboom

snake, 2016 | 13.78 x 80.71 x 64.96 inches (35 x 205 x 165 cm)
image © designboom

muddy earth, 2016 | bronze
image courtesy the artist and lehmann maupin, new york and hong kong

muddy earth, 2016 | 35.43 x 78.74 x 31.5 inches (90 x 200 x 80 cm)
image courtesy the artist and lehmann maupin, new york and hong kong

‘muddy earth’ depicts a deformed interpretation of modern furniture
image © designboom

the object is disfigured by a direct engagement with the artist himself
image © designboom

detail of ‘muddy earth’
image © designboom

wurm sits, punches, crushes and drives across the original clay forms prior to casting
image © designboom

the artist’s actions leave a permeant mark on the object’s final figure
image © designboom

the pieces highlight wurm’s engagement with everyday objects 
image © designboom

detial of the deconstruction of the original clay forms 
image © designboom

the series continues wurm’s work with malformed and misshapen objects
image © designboom