Description
The third volume of Erdmut Bramkes catalogue raisonné is devoted to "art in architecture" and temporary works in public spaces. It complements the two volumes already published with the presentations of paintings and works on paper. This makes the artists work accessible to the public in its entirety. The richly illustrated catalogue presents the artists competition entries from 1974 to 2002 in chronological order. The reconstruction of more than 20 realised and unrealised projects on the basis of unpublished material and personal notes from the artists estate provide an insight into her working methods and allow a detailed view of the process of creating the works. Both the sketches and designs and the executed works show an incredible joy for experimenting and variability in the use of materials, ranging from painted metal sheets, holes drilled in wood and stone to tiles, fabrics, canvas, graffiti, glass and paving stones. Embedded in the discourse on "art in architecture" and its genesis in the 20th century, Bramkes works are presented in the context of the design process. Characteristic of her interventions in public space is her sensitiveness to the surrounding space which does not see her work as an addition to the existing architecture, but rather uses the architectural space to evoke quiet, contemplative moments through intense colour experiences or to make the space experienceable. The "Bramke system" manifests itself even with the early, expansive work for the University of Constance. The form-giving element is a variable order structure. The arrangement of the same elements with slight changes and nuances, but following the same laws in rows, condense into a structure and become a vibrating lineament. Even 50 years after its completion, the work is considered as a successful example of how "art in archi- tecture" can have integrative and functional qualities without losing its artistic value. Between this first major work for the University of Constance from 1974 to 1976 and the expansive work for the central library of the University of Tubingen at the end of her life constants in the "Bramke system" become apparent. At the same time, the overall view clearly shows the development of an artist who helped to shape her ambience in a grand gesture. Susanne Grötz, born 1961 in Koblenz, studied art history and German and Italian literature in Marburg and Pisa. She has been working on the estate of Erdmut Bramke for many years. The author lives and works in Stuttgart and Italy as a freelance exhibition curator and tour guide.
