Thomas Hirschhorn

For three months, a sculpture of a special kind was created in Biel, Switzerland. It is by one of the most renowned contemporary Swiss artists – Thomas Hirschhorn – and is dedicated to one of the most important authors in Swiss literary history – Robert Walser. It represents a redefinition of what can be understood as sculpture. For what takes on a plastic form here is not made of stone, steel, or bronze. It is society itself that has co-developed this work. Since 2016, Thomas Hirschhorn and curator Kathleen Bühler have conducted field research in Biel, the birthplace of Robert Walser, with residents, associations, artists, writers, and experts. This has resulted in a diverse program. Together, daily readings, walks, lectures, and children's programs are offered, which make up the Robert Walser Sculpture. Never before has an entire city been so integrated into a temporary artwork. Thomas Hirschhorn (*1957, Bern) lives and works in Paris. His monuments, altars, and kiosks receive international attention and have won multiple awards. He is, among other honors, the winner of the Prix Marcel Duchamp, the Joseph Beuys Prize Basel, and the Grand Prix Kunst/Prix Meret Oppenheimer from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.