Skulptur VIII 1989

Jan Groth’s ‘Skulptur VIII’ is a dark, slender form, that appears to be made of charcoal or a similar material. It leans against the wall, creating a delicate tension between two and three dimensions. Groth’s process seems simple, yet the impact is profound. The material has a raw, earthy quality. The artist's hand is clearly present in the uneven texture and the way it tapers to a point. We might think of the work as a drawing in space; a line escaping the confines of paper. This piece challenges our conventional ideas about sculpture. It's not monumental or imposing; instead, it's understated, almost ephemeral. The labor involved isn't about carving or molding, but about careful placement and subtle manipulation of a simple material. In doing so, Groth blurs the lines between drawing, sculpture, and installation. The real art here is in the quiet act of making, and the ability to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary. It reminds us that the most profound statements can be made with the simplest of means.