About Günther Uecker
Günther Uecker, a distinguished German sculptor, painter, and op artist, is renowned for his innovative use of nails as a primary medium of expression. Born in 1930 in Wendorf, he developed a meditative process of hammering nails into various surfaces, transforming everyday objects into tactile compositions that blur the boundaries between surface and structure. Deeply influenced by Eastern philosophies, Uecker’s work explores form, rhythm, and perception through the interplay of light and shadow.
As a founding member of the ZERO group with Heinz Mack and Otto Piene, Uecker helped redefine post-war European art by rejecting emotional excess and embracing purity, light, and movement. His practice continually pushes the limits of abstraction, encouraging open interpretation free from convention. Guided by his belief to “assert yourself first,” Uecker’s lifelong dedication to experimentation and independence continues to inspire contemporary art today.
