Pollen From Hazelnut Art Review

Pollen From Hazelnut Art Review

"Pollen from Hazelnut" was originally created and displayed in 1992 by artist Wolfgang Laib. When viewed, this piece has a way of removing idle conversation from the room and inspiring silence from its viewers. Where many German artists focus their work on the suffering and hardship Germany has endured, Laib seeks a different approach that transcends time and culture. In order to properly understand "Pollen from Hazelnut," viewers must consider the form, style, content, function, context, meaning, and message of the work.

Wolfgang Laib's specialty form is sculpture, although his sculptures are very different from what one would consider a normal sculpture. Whereas most sculptures are made from non-organic materials that will last for centuries, Laib's sculptures are always made from organic materials that will eventually fade away. The "Pollen from Hazelnut" sculpture is made entirely of flower pollen collected by Laib. The style of this sculpture is ritualistic. The sculpture is not permanent and must be recreated over and over again by the museums who showcase it. In order to create the sculpture, five jars of pollen are spread over the floor of the museum in a square shape. Laib requires that an organic muslin sieve is used during the dispersing and that the square be sharp and distinct. Once completed, the square is nearly 12 feet in size.

Laib's work falls within the artistic concept of ritualistic spiritual works. By using forms from nature, his art is intentionally looking beyond the culture of his home country, Germany, and instead revealing the universal beauty and awe inspiring brilliance of nature. "Pollen from Hazelnut" is bright yellow, much brighter than any artificial paint. By using this medium, Laib is demonstrating the profound power and unique beauty found in nature. Where most consider nature to be fundamental, Laib expresses the truth that many things found in nature are more beautiful than anything man can make. The other profound aspect of this sculpture is the added dimensions of experience. Not only can the sculpture be seen, the fresh pollen fills the air of the room, resulting in a sensual experience. When first being observed, it is easy to simply become overwhelmed in the experience and most viewers simply have the desire to slowly take it in and contemplate the beauty.

While the overall purpose of "Pollen in Hazelnut" is transcendatory and ahistorical, it is still important to consider the function and context that inspired Laib. "Pollen from Hazelnut" is a late 20th century piece. Germany is an established country and one on the cutting edge for technology and innovation, the very opposite of Laib's work. Whereas so many pieces from Germany during this time still possess insertions of the pain and struggle that Germany endured in the mid 20th century, "Pollen from Hazelnut" removes all forms of industry, war, conflict, and pain. It is this characteristic that attracts viewers to his works. "Pollen from Hazelnut" reminds viewers that nature and the natural world transcend all human struggle and exist in spite of destruction.