Session in Meerbusch for Erwin Heerich, prominent figure of the budding city
Erwin Heerich, a prominent German artist, made a significant impact on the world of sculpture, particularly with his geometric and architectural forms. He spent a considerable part of his career at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he taught from 1969 until 1989.
During his tenure, Heerich was a contemporary of Joseph Beuys, another influential artist of the academy. Although specific collaborations between Heerich and Beuys are not extensively documented, they were part of the same vibrant art scene and were influenced by the pedagogical environment that emphasized conceptual and experimental art practices.
Heerich's approach was distinct in its focus on simplified geometric forms, often using industrial materials and mold techniques to create architectural sculptures that explore space and form. His works, such as those exhibited in 1978, typically emphasize minimalism and reduction, translating architectural principles into sculptural language.
In addition to his work at the academy, Heerich was represented at documenta IV and VI, prestigious exhibitions held in Kassel, Germany. He also constructed walkable sculptures on the Museum Island Hombroich, although further details about this project are not provided in the available information.
Heerich's daughter, Andrea, was present at a recent lecture about his work. The van der Grinten brothers, close friends of both Heerich and Beuys, also attended the event. While there is no explicit information about joint projects or direct interaction between Heerich and the van der Grinten brothers, their friendship underscores the interconnectedness of the art community in Düsseldorf during that time.
Before teaching at the academy, Heerich was a student of art professor Ewald Matare. From 1969 to 1988, he continued the legacy of his mentors as a teacher at the Düsseldorf Kunstakademie, influencing a new generation of artists.
Although the search results do not provide a comprehensive catalog of Heerich's works, they offer insights into his artistic development and the impact he had on post-war abstract sculpture in Germany. For a more in-depth study, consulting specialized art historical sources or exhibition catalogs from Kunstakademie Düsseldorf or institutions holding Heerich’s work would be necessary.
The lifelong learning and education-and-self-development of Erwin Heerich were significantly influenced by his mentor, Ewald Matare, and the pedagogical environment at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf. During his tenure at the academy, Heerich fostered a connection with the van der Grinten brothers, demonstrating the interconnectedness of the art community in Düsseldorf.
