Tony Cragg and his magic of emotions: Retrospective in Wuppertal!

Tony Cragg and his magic of emotions: Retrospective in Wuppertal!

Something is happening in the Waldfrieden sculpture park in Wuppertal! Renowned sculptor Tony Cragg invites visitors to discover his latest works in the exhibition “Line of Thought”. Until January 1, 2026, art lovers can be impressed by the sculptural quality of his work. Cragg, who has lived in the city since 1977, has made it his mission to find forms that appeal and counteract the monotonous aesthetics of the world of goods. He pursues a clear vision: art that touches and makes thoughts and emotions visible, one could say, there is something there!

Tony Cragg, who began his artistic career in 1969, is showing new sculptural works and drawings in three exhibition halls. Visitors can expect a diverse spectrum: from large metal sculptures to delicate Corten steel constructions to monumentally designed wooden sculptures from his “Lost in Thought” series. The upper hall features an impressive large-scale sculpture made of aluminum panels, while the lower hall features small glass sculptures created in collaboration with the Berengo Studio in Murano. Around 200 drawings hanging on the walls show the creative process behind each sculpture and are to be understood as an independent form of expression, as the city of Wuppertal emphasizes.

Art with a political message

But Cragg is not only a master of form, but also a thinking artist. He sees his work in the context of political and social reality. For him, art is more than just creativity; it functions as a counter-reaction to what is visible and what does not yet exist. This is illustrated by an article from artbooksheidelberg.de, which describes the deep-rooted connection between art and politics. Artists like Cragg often create their works out of the need to address political issues and convey their perspectives.

This interrelationship has always been a part of art history. From allegory to direct protests, artists have questioned those in power and highlighted social injustices. Examples such as Picasso's “Guernica” show how art can become a political voice. Today there are discussions about racial inequality, gender equality and climate change - topics that also resonate in Cragg's work.

The path to the retrospective

Cragg, who has moved from found objects to stone, iron and bronze sculptures in his career, has continually expanded his canon of materials. This development is reflected in the current retrospective, which provides a deep insight into his work. The wide variety of materials demonstrates not only his mastery of craftsmanship, but also his insatiable need to explore the boundaries of the craft of sculpture.

The “Line of Thought” exhibition in the Waldfrieden Sculpture Park is a must for everyone who is interested in contemporary art - and for everyone who wants to look beyond art and also consider the associated political issues. Tony Cragg once said that his work stimulates a dialogue that goes far beyond the sculptures. One can only hope that visitors leave the exhibition inspired and with new perspectives.

For more information about the exhibition and the works on display, visit the article on SWR or read more on Wuppertal.de about the artist's sculptural innovations. Anyone interested in the exciting connection between art and politics will find deeper insights artbooksheidelberg.de.