History in Sci-Fi: Stone in Contemporary Sculpture

About

Sci-fi is understood here as an accentuated way of reading the present rather than a projection into the future. Stone carries its own sense of time and historicity, shaped both by its material structure and by the processes involved in working with it. The question is how these temporalities can be considered together, and what role stone can take within contemporary sculptural practice. Working directly in the Untersberg marble quarry near Salzburg, the course focuses on practical engagement with stone while examining its possibilities and relevance in art today. How do we address the persistent romantic expectations attached to this material?
Alongside the hands-on sessions, we will look at ways to integrate other materials without hierarchy, including newer forms of making such as 3D sketching, printing, milling, and animation. We will also discuss the conditions of white-cube versus outdoor sculpture, and approaches to material research and storytelling, linking the physical work in the quarry to broader questions of context and production.

Please note:
As part of this course, participants and teaching artists will live and work on site in the former workhouses for three weeks. The students themselves will organise everyday life in the quarry (cooking, cleaning, etc.). From Sunday, 19 July, simple accommodation in a dormitory on the quarry site will be available for €11 per night. The invoice for this will be issued in advance

Course leader

Benjamin Hirte

Target group

Requirements:
There should be a general interest in working with stone and an openness toward using traditional or contemporary tools for working with stone.
What to bring:
The most important tools for stone and steel working, as well as a small amount of stone, will be provided. You must bring your own safety equipment (safety goggles, work gloves, ear protectors, dust mask, sturdy work shoes) as well as weatherproof clothing, sunscreen and swimwear. If possible, bring a laptop, smartphone, basic tools, pens and material from the student archives

Fee info