Tony Cragg - Evening & Day Editions London Wednesday, June 8, 2016 | Phillips

Evening & Day Editions

London Auction 9 June 2016

  • Catalogue Essay

    Created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Germany, Tony Cragg's Grenze weg is a monumental homage to the Brandenburg Gate. This triumphal arch stood sentry over the Berlin wall throughout the Cold War - an irony in architecture whilst citizens were not allowed to move freely through the gate. The repeated vertical forms of Grenze wegecho the row of neo-classical columns marching along the Brandenburg façade, whilst simultaneously alluding to human figures twisted and soldered together, unable to break free from oppression.

    Yet Grenze weg also offers a fragment of hope in the shard-like opening at the centre of the sculpture allowing light to pass through. The monolithic, rusticated surface of this work, that initially appears impenetrable, slowly reveals its cracks as the viewer circles it - encouraging us to find a path through. Cragg's homage celebrates not only the strength of the German people under constraint, but also the welcome restoration of free passage and the return to purpose for the triumphal arch.

65

Tony Cragg

Grenze weg

2015
Cast steel with rust patina, with accompanying grey plinth,
39 x 55 x 28 cm (15 3/8 x 21 5/8 x 11 in.)
with incised signature lower left, further signed in black ink and numbered 26/35 (printed) on the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity (there were also 6 artist's proofs), published by BILD newspaper for the 25th anniversary of the reunification of Germany

Estimate
£30,000 - 50,000 ♠†

Contact Specialist
Robert Kennan
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London
+44 207 318 4075

Evening & Day Editions

London Auction 9 June 2016