Networked unravelling

Karen Irmer's glass artwork 'Vernetzt entflechten' (Networked unravelling) breathes and connects: Trees with numerous branches and twigs stand before the viewer as if shrouded in mist. Depending on the viewing angle, the almost impenetrable branches of the motif appear more or less clear. It changes with the light, absorbing the movement and colours of its surroundings. In this way it 'breathes', remains mysterious and cannot be fully deciphered.

For the entrance area of the new teaching building and dean's office of the medical faculty on the campus of the University of Augsburg, VAN TREECK was commissioned to realise a concept of the Augsburg artist on glass. The artistic photographic work is staged in large format on 16 panes and three door panels (total area 19.39 x 3.61 metres).

Visitors can immerse themselves in a fascinating work of art: at first glance, the seemingly abstract work 'Vernetzt entflechten' evokes associations with medical content. The work for the foyer of the teaching building thematises the networked work in research and teaching that takes place in the building. The design is reminiscent of tree structures and imaging techniques used in medicine and the natural sciences.

Karen Irmer's concept beat off competition from five other entrants from all over Germany. The jury praised both her approach to the task and the good technical execution. They were impressed by the large-format, two-dimensional work of art made up of various layers of glass, whose multi-layered spatial effect combines art with the medical and scientific cosmos.

Photos (c) Sebastian Bühler