Manfred Hellweger
Manfred Hellweger is an Austrian sculptor born in 1986, who lives and works in Pettneu am
Arlberg and Nesselgarten near Fließ in Tyrol. His journey into the world of art began in 2004
when he graduated as a sculptor from the Technical School for Arts and Design in
Elbigenalp, Tyrol. Shortly after, he pursued a career as a freelance artist, and in 2013, he
further honed his skills by graduating as a stone sculptor at the Technical School for Stone
Processing in Laas, South Tyrol.
Hellweger's work has gained international recognition, with his sculptures featured in over 30
international sculpture symposia and numerous exhibitions across the globe, including in
Japan, the USA, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria. Collectors
worldwide appreciate his unique artistic approach, making his pieces a valuable addition to
private and public collections.
Manfred Hellweger's art delves into profound questions about the meaning and value of
existence, exploring the nature of the world and the human condition. He is particularly
known for his minimalist approach, where he reduces forms to their most essential elements.
His sculptures are often composed of simple geometric shapes like cubes, strips, boards,
nails, or shaped tubes, which he skillfully assembles into figurative works that taper towards
the base. This technique creates a sense of movement and fluidity, suggesting the
ever-changing and dynamic nature of life.
Hellweger's work embodies the idea that nothing is permanent; everything evolves and
transforms. His sculptures, by dissolving vertically, evoke the constant flux of time and the
ephemeral nature of existence. Despite their simplicity, his works are deeply expressive,
offering a metaphor for mindfulness and contentment through the reduction to the essentials.
This philosophy aligns with his belief that "less is more," advocating for simplicity and clarity
in both art and life.
The Sculpture: Human Nails X
The sculpture is a prime example of Hellweger's artistic vision.
This piece is a complex assembly of individual elements, each
contributing to the creation of a unified whole. The sculpture is
primarily made of steel, with each nail representing a thought,
emotion, or feeling in a person's life. These nails, while
separate, come together to form a cohesive and dynamic
figure, symbolizing the interconnectedness of human
experiences.
The base of the sculpture is crafted from fiber-reinforced,
frost-resistant concrete, making it suitable for outdoor display.
Hellweger transferred the lively grain of wood onto the
concrete base using a specially made formwork of brushed
larch wood, adding a natural texture to the piece. The steel
structure itself was treated with hydrochloric acid and exposed
to the elements for a month to achieve a uniform layer of
oxidation. This process not only gives the sculpture its distinct
rusty appearance but also means that its color may change if
placed outdoors, further emphasizing the theme of transformation and change.
Each of Manfred Hellweger's sculptures is unique, a one-of-a-kind creation that reflects his
deep engagement with the materials and themes he explores. His art is not just a visual
experience but a reflection on the human condition, the passage of time, and the beauty
found in simplicity.