Born 7th, August, 1942. He lives in Ampiglia/Marittima (Italy).
Besides his sculptural works Distel is well-known for his paintings, films, videos and as a conceptual artist. The »Monument« at the »Giardino« is a loan generously sponsored by the canton of Solothurn (Switzerland). For 30 years it had been placed on the edge of a motorway (A2) before, where it had become a sort of landmark.
Works from Herbert Distel at the Giardino
76
Herbert Distel
DenkMal
[Monument: Recall, Bethink]
1968/1970-2003
200 x 300 cm
22 t, granite from Ticino
Permanently on loan from the Canton of Solothurn – CH
A giant egg lies in one of the sheltered spots of the »Giardino”, in a hollow that resembles a nest. The Swiss artist Herbert Distel called the granite sculpture »Denkmal« and is very cognizant of the literal meaning of the literal meaning of the term – a challenge to think. The vast dimensions of the »egg« and its unknown weight are an irritation. We described the felt slippers in bronze (No.5) as a kind of anti-Beuys work because they negate the warming properties of felt. Thus, in Herbert Distel’s sculpture we might see an »anti-egg«, for it appears anything but delicate. If we allow ourselves to believe the optical illusion, the surrounding bushes and trees become blades of grass – but in that case how big are we? And where is the hen?!
76
Herbert Distel
DenkMal
[Monument: Recall, Bethink]
1968/1970-2003
200 x 300 cm
22 t, granite from Ticino
Permanently on loan from the Canton of Solothurn – CH