STRIDING AND FLOATING Rolf Biebl (Sculpture) and Matthias Kanter (Painting)

Two Outstanding Artists at the Wiligrad Machine House / Opening Reception: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Rolf Biebl is known for his figurative sculptures, which range from realistic depictions of the human body to expressive, free-form representations of the body. You suddenly come across Biebl’s figures in places where you least expect them. In this way, he aims to make culture tangible and accessible to people who otherwise have no connection to it. “The Vogtland native imbues his sculptures—as well as his painted and drawn portraits of the human form—with all the distortions that can befall a person in life. His figures are an expression of the spirit of the times, of conformity, but also of resistance—of imperfection in the face of the ever-present suggestion of perfect outward appearance.” (Ingeborg Ruthe)

Over decades, Matthias Kanter has developed his own painting style, dominated by his focus on his medium—color. His spatial, often highly dynamic visual narratives reveal both harmony and areas of tension. Many layers of paint are applied one over the other in a glazing technique, giving rise to these unmistakable, three-dimensional protagonists who interact within the image—either in harmony or in conflict. “Making visible” and “showing” refer to the presence within the image, which always aims to “tell a story” using the very essence of painting, with its focus on the possibilities of color.