In the picturesque Engadin region of Switzerland, the Luma Foundation, as part of its Elevation 1049 initiative, has unveiled "Strip Tower (962)", an extraordinary sculptural work by the renowned artist Gerhard Richter. This installation marks a significant expansion of Richter's artistic exploration, moving his characteristic "Strip Paintings" methodology from two-dimensional canvases into a monumental, three-dimensional form that engages directly with the surrounding Alpine scenery. The artwork, scheduled to be on public view until the spring of 2029, exemplifies a creative process where initial painted marks undergo digital manipulation—photographing, scanning, slicing, and stretching—to produce a captivating array of colored bands. In its transformed state as a tower, this concept transcends the flat surface, manifesting as a truly architectural and spatial entity.
Standing impressively over five meters tall, this sculpture, previously showcased in London, comprises eight vertical panels adorned with polished ceramic tiles. Each panel displays vertically extended stripes of color. The design allows visitors to meander among these panels, transforming the observation from a distant gaze to a deeply physical and interactive engagement. The glazed surfaces interact dynamically with ambient light, while the ever-changing elements—weather patterns, cloud formations, snow, and the rhythm of seasons—continually reshape the sculpture's visual narrative. Richter's profound connection with Sils Maria, a village he has frequented since 1989 for its unique light and tranquil ambiance, provides a meaningful setting for this piece. "Strip Tower (962)" encourages a practice of sustained observation, inviting viewers to discern subtle transformations rather than immediate, overt statements.
The tower's proximity to Lake Silvaplana intrinsically links it to the delicate Alpine ecosystem. Its ceramic exterior reacts sensitively to humidity and temperature fluctuations, and its colors shift in response to the changing sky. This evolving interaction ensures that the artwork's experience unfolds gradually, resonating with Richter's broader artistic themes of ambiguity, introspection, and the fluid nature of visual certainty. This installation underscores the Luma Foundation's dedication to pushing the boundaries of contemporary art, integrating significant artistic expressions into environments that foster deep reflection and responsibility. Maja Hoffmann, the Foundation's founder, characterizes the work as a rare fusion of conceptual rigor, clear form, and material precision, affirming the Alps not merely as a scenic backdrop but as a vibrant center for profound cultural creation.
This magnificent creation stands as a testament to the power of art to transcend traditional boundaries, inviting us to engage with our surroundings in new and contemplative ways. It encourages a deeper appreciation for both artistic innovation and the natural world, reminding us of the dynamic interplay between human creativity and environmental beauty. Through its enduring presence and evolving dialogue with its setting, the tower serves as a beacon for sustained cultural interaction and an embodiment of art's capacity to inspire wonder and thoughtful engagement in public spaces.