The Human Rock

The Human Rock

The concept behind this artwork is based on an exploration of the phenomenon of the humanization of nature by humans. It is not only artists and scientists who creatively adapt nature as a matter of course, and it does not always have to be seen as something negative. That is why I have always been fascinated by climbing walls – the way athletes have practically adapted and imitated the rock they climb. They have figured out how to modify it. They can literally assemble it like a building set and adapt it anywhere and in any way

I am particularly fascinated by climbing holds that are superbly designed and ergonomically shaped. They are the perfect embodiment of nature. These sculptures, which come in various sizes, shapes, and colors, also seem to be directly inspired by the works of some of the great 20th-century artists – such as Constantin Brancusi, Joan Miró, Hans Arp, Henry Moore, and many others. At first glance, the holds themselves look like slightly Dadaist abstract sculptures intended to evoke a natural poetic quality, but – in a way that is almost post-modernly absurd – they are actually screw holes that transform the sculptures into physical, force-bearing segments, or, in effect, “sports equipment”, complete with a rough, non-slip surface.

Human Rock, 2025, 2 x 7 x 5 m, concrete, climbing holds.

The shape of this rocking stone will be deliberately very absurd. Although the concept is based on a climbing wall, at first glance – and seemingly illogically – the surface of this boulder will be completely covered with colorful holds. The sculpture will therefore look Dadaist, playful, and very intense. Its purpose will be to inject a touch of fun and excitement into the modern, glass-and-steel office complex with its technical appearance.

Human Rock, 2025, 2 x 7 x 5 m, concrete, climbing holds.

However, the fact that the rocking stone will be covered with grips will not merely have aesthetic significance. Its true substantive meaning lies in the completed creation of a new, perfectly humanized artistic mineral. This boulder will look like a synthetic, highly unique semi-precious stone that holds the potential for physical use by humans. The seemingly unstable rocking stone will resemble a playground element, and it will indeed be possible to use it as such – that is, to climb on it. As such, it will be very durable – as climbing walls tend to be – and it will be all the more durable because it will be completely and very tightly covered with holds like a turtle’s shell. On the one hand, it will have a natural shape, but on the other hand, it will be covered with technical elements featuring clearly visible steel screws. It will therefore look very modern and contemporary.