Artist Statement

"I am an interdisciplinary practicing German artist who currently studies fine arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich. My media ranges from wood to metal to plastic, from light to sound, but my practice has the common determinator of capturing the current relation between humankind and nature. It reflects my belief that art can raise awareness and encourage action towards responsible environmental practices.

My sculptural practice talks about cultural grievances, mainly focusing on humanities interaction withthe environment while incorporating materials like concrete, plastic and metal scraps. This comes exceptionally clear looking at my work ‘Melting Point III’.

In a series of four works consisting of antique non-functional clockworks, on the base of a 1” acrylic sheet I visualize humanities mistreatment of the environment by taking the turning point of the first industrial revolution and the use of plastics into account. Excessive use of recyclable plastic in the work is an homage to humankind’s overuse of plastic materials. The clocks symbolize societies fragile concept of time and reference the ‘Doomsday Clock’, which represents the likelihood of a synthetic global catastrophe from unchecked scientific and technological advances. By  embedding the defective clocks in a manner in which the plastic seems to trap them the work suggests it might be too late to take action and the complete destruction of the worlds ecosystem is inevitable.

In 2017 I founded the subcultural art collective ‘bushbash’, which advocates for low-threshold culture services and self-governing usable open spaces in cities. Since then ‘bushbash’ managed many interim used spaces and designed and constructed art installations and stages for multiple music festivals. This practices main focus lies in creating something sustainable and memorable within the minimum time. Design, light and sound concepts mesh to create a unique multisensory experience. The main materials, wood and fabric, get recycled each project.

As a self-employed artist I also host events and DJs in clubs and festivals all over Europe. Profits from those occupations benefit new charitable projects."

Carl Sturm, 2024