Willi Siber's works live from perfection

In the Galerie Renggli in Zug, the artist Willi Siber is exhibiting new objects with a surface that appears magical

It’s this intense combination of artistic expression and craftsmanship that distinguishes the sculptural works of the South German artist Willi Siber (*1949). All the exhibits are well-composed in shapes and colours, and they leave the viewer astonished by the sensual aesthetic. But despite the apparent perfection, the artist does not want to rest, but continues to experiment.

A selection of the latest works of art by Willi Siber is currently on display at the gallery of Carla Renggli in Zug. The exhibition, which opened last Saturday, features around 40 small and larger objects. The new, three-dimensional panel and wall objects with their shiny colours stand out through their luminosity.

The tinkering continues
It is exciting to see how the works of art, which are coated with interference varnishes, change their colours depending on the light or the position  of the viewer. This has nothing to do with magic or imagination: the effect is consciously sought by the artist through the refined use of the multi-layered lacquers on the three-dimensional works.

Special wooden panels mostly form the object base, which according to Carla Renggli, is produced exactly according to the artist's design. The objects are then further processed in several production steps, from grinding to ink application.

The artist discovered polished bronze as a new material, and three such wall objects can be seen in the exhibition.

Photo 1: Siber's works are internationally known
Photo 2: The artist has the courage to experiment
Photo 3: The works are colourful
Photo: Maria Schmid (Hagendorn, 17 April 2021)

As the artist could not be present at the opening in Zug because of the Covid-19 restrictions, he explained in a telephone conversation what is important to him in the development process for a work, and why the exhibition is entitled "Magic and Illusion": "Here in southern Germany, I am surrounded by baroque buildings with their colours, lights and noble materials. These are my roots. The Baroque was a complete work of art that offers an illusion for the eye. This is also my aim: to enchant the eye with shiny colours and lights." After about 40 years of artistic activity, Willi Siber has long since found an individual style with his clear work and visual language. And although his earlier works of art already appear in a technically perfect manner, he does not want to stop experimenting.

He freely admits that he continues to be fascinated by the exploration of new techniques. You can immediately believe him when he says, with a palpable enthusiasm: "I could rest. But my drive is to explore what is technically still possible. For me, it's a formal game. It is also a matter of keeping the viewer and collector awake with a new discovery, as now with the bronze, with the increase is in the lacquering. I ‘m not trying to satisfy myself. When you make art all your life, you have to be careful not to fall into a routine, so that curiosity and inner tension are preserved." This is clearly his passion, because the artist loves the free use of form and material. And, as Siber confirms, international success proves him right.

Growing up in Eberhardzell, Upper Siber, Willi Siber studied art and attended the Academy of Fine Arts in Stuttgart, where he graduated with the state examination in 1976. Siber has long been a freelance artist, exhibiting his objects and sculptures in galleries and museums around the world. He has also been able to realise various room installations, as well as art-on-construction projects internationally.

The exhibition with objects by Willi Siber runs until 22 May and is open: Wed-Fri 2-6 pm, Sat 10am-4pm, Galerie Renggli, Upper Old Town 8, Zug.