Stein zur Meditation, Engel 1988

Editor: Here we have Karl Prantl’s "Stein zur Meditation, Engel," or "Stone for Meditation, Angel" from 1988, crafted from marble. Its sheer presence is striking! It has this incredible polished side, like a portal, but the stone’s natural veining makes me think of landscapes and hidden narratives. What do you see in this piece? Curator: This sculpture intrigues me, particularly because of how Prantl merges the spiritual with the earthly through form and material. The highly polished surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the environment, suggesting an ongoing dialogue between nature and the self. Does it remind you of other monoliths or standing stones? Editor: A bit, maybe like something out of 2001: A Space Odyssey? The monolith disrupts the landscape. Curator: Exactly, that cinematic reference works beautifully here. And how might that disruption be perceived? It stands as a modern interpretation of ancient menhirs, places of connection to a larger cosmos, and a focus for ritual practices. It begs us to meditate not only on ourselves, but upon the very essence and origin of things. I'm also struck by the stone's variegated pattern. It hints at hidden images; what figures or narratives do you recognize in the patterns of the stone itself? Editor: Now that you point it out, the patterns in the marble almost evoke an angel form struggling to emerge. That certainly reinforces the meditative and spiritual themes! Curator: Precisely! And think of how that perceived form interacts with the mirroring side - as we contemplate the environment in that mirror, are we also contemplating this angel within ourselves? Editor: It’s fascinating how Prantl uses recognizable symbols and abstract forms to unlock our own interpretations. I see now that he creates more than just a sculpture. He's providing a space to unlock self-reflection. Curator: Absolutely. The sculpture functions as a site, activating personal connections between memory, landscape, and symbol. A catalyst for reflection, not merely a representation.