Unveiling of Matthias Kunisch’s ‘Sisyphus’ Sculpture: A Contemporary Addition to the Knights’ Hall
The Museum of the University of Tübingen MUT and the Institute for Classical Archeology announce the unveiling of “Sisyphus”: The larger-than-life contemporary sculpture by the Esslingen artist Matthias Kunisch was secretly placed on loan on November 30, 2023 in the cast collection in the Knights’ Hall of the Alte Museum Cultures integrated. Initially, the new work of art was only recognizable as such to attentive visitors through its object sign.
The work entitled “Large academic study of Mr. Sisyphus based on 43 fragments in relation to the universe” offers a new perspective on timeless connections as a contemporary interpretation of a mythological theme. The comparison of the work with the canon of ancient sculpture arouses curiosity in visitors and promotes dialogue and engagement with the museum’s collection. Kunisch’s work can be seen until Easter 2024.
From December 20th, the accompanying booklet will also be available at the museum box office and from the artist or the Gaia Schlegel Gallery. It contains detailed information about the sculpture “Sisyphus” and the underlying artistic concept and provides insights into Matthias Kunisch’s creative process. The bilingual contributions in German and English come from, among others, the curator of the Tübingen cast collection, Dr. Alexander Heinemann, the Esslingen art critic Martin Mezger and the philosopher Prof. Dr. Fabian Goppelsröder.
Extensive digital artistic project
The sculpture “Sisyphus” in the cast collection of the Institute for Classical Archeology is the material starting point for the digital continuation of the work. In an interactive virtual gallery, accessible via the artist’s and MUT’s websites, the perspective of the sculptural work is digitally expanded for a global audience. Visitors are invited to explore not only the individual digital fragments of the exhibition piece, but also the individual parts of the artist’s monumental drawing cycle, “Medea”. The gallery space and the website also provide additional information about the artist’s oeuvre.