Stephan Balkenhol German, 1957

Stephan Balkenhol (Fritzlar, Germany 1957)

The artist studied under Ulrich Rückriem at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Hamburg from 1976-1982 and then began to work increasingly with wood.

From 1988-1989, Balkenhol himself taught at the Hamburg Academy until 1991, when he received a teaching position at the Städelschule in Frankfurt.

Using traditional methods, he carves his figures from the trunk with almost no preliminary studies. Despite the use of colour and the animated shaping of the surface, the overall effect is one of great calm. The renunciation of any individualisation characterises his sculptural work.

During his teaching activities since the 1980s, his international fame has already increased. His work has since been represented in numerous private and corporate collections and is presented in national and international exhibitions in major museums such as the Deichtorhallen Hamburg, Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Málaga, Kunstmuseum Walter and Museum Wiesbaden.

Copyright the artist. Photo UniCredit Group