Watchtower with Geese (Hochsitz mit Gänsen)

Sigmar Polke

Created:
Movement:
1988
Contemporary Art
key Notes:
Surreal juxtaposition, Layered imagery
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
290 × 290 cm (114 1/4 × 114 1/4 in.)
medium:
Resin and acrylic paint on various fabrics
story of the work:

"Watchtower with Geese (Hochsitz mit Gänsen)" is a painting by German artist Sigmar Polke, created in 1974. The work exemplifies Polke's innovative approach to painting, incorporating elements of abstraction and figuration. It features a watchtower set against a landscape populated by geese, reflecting Polke's interest in the interplay between nature and human structures. The painting employs a distinctive technique that combines traditional oil paint with unconventional materials, contributing to its textured surface. Polke's use of color and form challenges the viewer's perception, inviting multiple interpretations. This work is representative of Polke's broader oeuvre, which often critiques societal norms and explores the complexities of visual representation. "Watchtower with Geese" is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, highlighting its significance in contemporary art discourse.

Description of the work:

"Watchtower with Geese (Hochsitz mit Gänsen)" by Sigmar Polke is a mixed media work that employs resin and acrylic paint on various fabrics, showcasing the artist's innovative approach to materiality. The composition features a watchtower, rendered in a stylized manner, juxtaposed with the depiction of geese, which are integrated into the overall design. The use of vibrant colors and layered textures creates a dynamic visual experience, while the interplay of transparency and opacity in the resin adds depth to the work. Polke's characteristic use of pattern and abstraction is evident, as the fabrics contribute to a tactile quality that invites viewer engagement. The painting reflects a synthesis of representational and abstract elements, characteristic of Polke's broader oeuvre, while also engaging with themes of nature and observation. The overall aesthetic is marked by a sense of spontaneity and experimentation, hallmarks of Polke's artistic practice.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Art Institute of Chicago

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Watchtower with Geese (Hochsitz mit Gänsen)