“Blickachsen” – Art on the Westend Campus

The students and staff of the Goethe University in Frankfurt can now enjoy art without having to go to a museum. Until October 3rd, 2011, 25 striking sculptures are displayed on the lawn of the Westend Campus. These artworks are part of the “Blickachsen 8 RheinMain” exhibition which is on display at various locations in the Frankfurt region. The sculptures of three distinguished artists: Magdalena Abakanowicz, Masayuki Koorida and Bernar Venet, all of whom are famous for their distinctive style, can be seen on the Westend Campus.

Since 1997, “Blickachsen” has been exhibiting contemporary art with free admission in the historic landscaped park of Bad Homburg, 30 minutes from Frankfurt. The name comes from the “Blickachsen” [lines of vision] in the historic Homburg spa park, which landscape artist Peter Joseph Lenné designed for the Biennial Sculpture exhibition.

Gallerist Christian Scheffel placed the ten larger-than-life seated torsos by Magdalena Abakanowicz below Goethe University’s Casino building. The always challenging work of the artist, born near Warsaw in 1930, is characterized by human or animal-like figures and fragments, which she often arranges in groups. Placed on the other side of the pond, the abstract stone sculptures of Masayuki Koorida, born in Japan in 1960, are captivating in their simple and unusual design. The rounded and highly-polished figures appear both artificial and alive at the same time – but also invite one to sit down. In contrast to this are the works crafted by Bernar Venet, the 1941-born Frenchman, in square steel, determined by their lines, which have made their mark today in the public areas of numerous cities. His impressive work of straight lines, staggered arcs or spiral shapes is uncompromising and determined, expressive and highly elegant.

Regular tours of the “Blickachsen” works of art will be given on the Westend Campus until October 3rd.