// Stuhl (Kopf) by Josef Felix Müller, created in 1992, is a compelling wooden sculpture that merges furniture with human form. Carved from solid wood, this piece resembles a rugged, blocky chair, with an intricately sculpted human face emerging from the backrest. The raw texture of the wood and visible chisel marks give it an earthy, almost primal aesthetic, emphasizing the natural materiality and craftsmanship involved. The integration of the human head into the chair structure blurs the line between functional object and symbolic artwork, suggesting themes of humanity’s connection to nature, rest, and contemplation. Müller’s work often explores organic forms, and here he invites viewers to reflect on the interaction between the human presence and the natural world.
Josef Felix Müller (Switzerland, 1955) is a multidisciplinary artist known for his expressive sculptures and paintings that explore the human form and nature. Utilizing materials like wood and stone, his works often feature bold, organic shapes. Müller has exhibited internationally, contributing significantly to contemporary Swiss art.
WoodWood is one of the most ancient and versatile materials used in creating art. It has served as a base for paintings, brush handles, pens, and pencils, as well as for easels, wood engraving, woodcut, woodblock printing, and sculpting. Various types of wood, such as oak, maple, and pine, are commonly used in these artistic applications.
// Stuhl (Kopf) by Josef Felix Müller, created in 1992, is a compelling wooden sculpture that merges furniture with human form. Carved from solid wood, this piece resembles a rugged, blocky chair, with an intricately sculpted human face emerging from the backrest. The raw texture of the wood and visible chisel marks give it an earthy, almost primal aesthetic, emphasizing the natural materiality and craftsmanship involved. The integration of the human head into the chair structure blurs the line between functional object and symbolic artwork, suggesting themes of humanity’s connection to nature, rest, and contemplation. Müller’s work often explores organic forms, and here he invites viewers to reflect on the interaction between the human presence and the natural world.
Josef Felix Müller (Switzerland, 1955) is a multidisciplinary artist known for his expressive sculptures and paintings that explore the human form and nature. Utilizing materials like wood and stone, his works often feature bold, organic shapes. Müller has exhibited internationally, contributing significantly to contemporary Swiss art.
The central subject of the Swiss sculptor and painter Josef Felix Müller's work is the essence of the human body. The dedicated artist used to solely draw and paint at the beginning of his career; he then decided to sculpt and deal with wood and stone, but he still managed to return into painting in the late 1990s. His first exhibition took place in Frankfurter Kunstverein, Germany, in 1993. Most of Müller’s exhibitions can be seen in galleries and museums in Switzerland, Germany, and Belgium. Müller's well-known piece, "6 Heads from 1987," is made of woodcut in colors, but at the same time, his usual mediums are oil paint and lithograph. In addition to paintings, Müller also has tree trunk sculptures in which he works with chainsaws and axes. Besides crafting works relating to human nature, he also created natural landscapes on canvas. He began with stunning valleys and mountains, which he saw as a dramatic experience, and in his most recent works, Müller revealed bits of profoundly enigmatic scenery. He has been using his talent as an instrument since the beginning to describe and reconstitute nature. (Artist website)
Contemporary art refers to avant-garde or innovative art created in the recent past or present day. The exact starting point of contemporary art varies depending on the institution, often tied to the founding year of museums or galleries that showcase the style. Contemporary art is characterized by its focus on current ideas, diverse media, and the exploration of new concepts and techniques.