Walter Giers

Walter Giers, Magische Dreiecke, 2005, Elektronik, 119 x 119 cm © kunsthalle messmer / Steven van Veen
Walter Giers, Magische Dreiecke, 2005, Elektronik, 119 x 119 cm © kunsthalle messmer / Steven van Veen

Walter Giers is regarded as an artist of kinetics, but also as an artist of light and sound. What is special about his art is above all the inclusion of electronic components in his art objects, which, in addition to their functional task, ie the generation of sounds and light, also regularly serve as design elements. The recurring themes between people and the environment, the role of the media in society and dealing with religions are decisive in his works. However, there are also many works that fade away from the narrative content, such as light or light-sound objects, which impress the viewer with changing plays of colors, possibly with melodic background music.

born 1937 in Mannweiler
1959-1963 studies at the art school in Schwäbisch Gmünd, diploma in industrial design
1963 founded his own office for industrial design in Schwäbisch Gmünd
1992-1993 lecturer at the University of Design in Karlsruhe, associated artist at the Center for Art and Media Technology (ZKM) Karlsruhe
1968 Beginning of the production of art objects based on electronic circuits
Giers has been developing lighting concepts for cities since 1985
In 2003 she received the Maria Ensle Prize from the Baden-Württemberg Art Foundation
2007 Cross of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany
2011 Baden-Württemberg Culture Prize from the Volksbanken Raiffeisenbanken and the Baden-Württemberg Foundation

Walter Giers