Original artwork description:

human nails XXII by Manfred Hellweger plays with the contrast between industrial materials and an organic form. An abstract human figure, formed from rusty wire pins that have been welded together, emerges from a simple stele crafted from an aged, brushed 'hay man'. Sealed with Owatrol oil and matt clear varnish, the patina of the metal is preserved to emphasise its raw, archaic character. The mesh of nails becomes denser towards the top and thinner towards the bottom, giving the figure surprising lightness despite its heavy materiality.
Hellweger uses the juxtaposition of natural wood and rusty metal to symbolise the tension between transience and permanence, and between nature and technology. Human Nails XXII thus reflects the fragile balance of human existence in an impressive way.
Total weight: 8.8 kg

Materials used:

wire nails, owatrol oil, old spruce wood, clear varnish, steel

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