Sun and Moon 1962

Mathias Goeritz created "Sun and Moon" using bronze, with a focus on simple forms and textured surfaces. The tactile quality of the bronze is immediately apparent. Notice how the rough, almost earthy texture of the green patinated background contrasts with the polished, reflective surfaces of the sun and moon. This interplay of textures invites a close examination. The processes employed—casting, patinating, and polishing—are central to Goeritz’s artistic vocabulary. These techniques, traditionally associated with craft, allowed him to imbue the sculpture with a handmade quality, softening the industrial nature of the material. Goeritz had an unusual career trajectory. He engaged with architecture and design as well as sculpture. His works often evoke a sense of monumentality and spirituality, reflecting his interest in the intersection of art and the built environment. By emphasizing process and materiality, Goeritz blurred the lines between art, craft, and design, demonstrating the rich potential that lies in these often-overlooked modes of creative expression.