Wiebke Siem (Bilingual edition): The Maximal Minimum

Wiebke Siem is a Berlin-based artist who became known in the 1990s for her extensive installations that alienate everyday objects or transform them into oversized objects. She uses a formal language and presentation that refer to ethnological objects and collections to comment on Modernisms problematic appropriation strategies toward non-European art. She also critically engages the mechanisms of the male-dominated art business, which is a central theme in her oeuvre.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Hirmer Verlag

Wiebke Siem, a renowned artist born in 1954 in Kiel, Germany, gained recognition in the 1990s for her captivating installations that transformed everyday objects into extraordinary creations. From clothing and shoes to bags and toys, Siem's artistic vision saw the ordinary transformed into the extraordinary, creating a sense of wonder and intrigue. Through her intricate works, she challenged the boundaries of perception and challenged societal norms by questioning the role of objects in our lives.

One of the hallmark features of Siem's art is her use of furniture, objects, and materials with domestic connotations. She takes ordinary items and imbues them with a sense of ambiguity and humor, often creating whimsical, puppet-like figures that evoke a psychological response from the viewer. These figures, with their oversized proportions and strange shapes, serve as metaphors for our inner struggles and the pressures of societal expectations.

In her installations, Siem creates oppressive yet humorous environments that challenge the viewer's perception of reality. She explores themes of power, gender, and identity, using her art to comment on the problematic appropriation strategies of Modernism toward non-European art. Siem critically engages with the mechanisms of the male-dominated art business, highlighting the challenges and inequalities faced by women artists in the industry.

Through her formal language and mode of presentation, Siem references ethnological objects and collections, drawing on the rich cultural heritage of her native Germany. This reference adds depth and complexity to her work, allowing her to comment on the complexities of cultural exchange and the role of art in shaping our understanding of the world.

Wiebke Siem's art is a testament to her talent and creativity, as she uses everyday objects to create extraordinary works that provoke thought and challenge our perceptions of the world. Her installations have been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and her work continues to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.

Weight: 860g
Dimension: 280 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783777440125