Concrete – a material of understated beauty, often associated in architecture with heaviness and utility – reveals a surprising, almost poetic quality in sculpture. It is strong and patient, capable of bearing delicate openings as well as solid volumes, allowing for transitions and connections that are not possible in stone – and even forgiving minor imperfections along the way.
At the heart of this course lies a fascinating working method: the so-called negative-positive principle. Participants begin with sketches and models – playful, exploratory, intuitive. From these, they independently build a hollow mould – a casting negative made from materials such as wood, Kapa, or Styrofoam. These often idiosyncratic compositions are then filled with concrete – and only when opened does the final work reveal itself.
This moment is magical: like unwrapping a gift. One’s own ideas unfold – and something emerges that may not have been entirely planned, but feels deeply personal nonetheless. It is in this tension between control and letting go, between intention and surprise, that the particular charm of this technique lies.
The method not only strengthens spatial awareness but also opens up new paths of artistic expression. Whether it’s a graphic-like relief, a powerful high relief, or a freestanding form – each participant is accompanied with sensitivity and encouraged to discover their own artistic voice.
The tutor speaks: English, German, Italian,
Photo: ©Zora-Jankovic
Courses
23.–28.
Aug 2026
