Lesser
Olaf Nicolai
© courtesy Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2020 Image: Jonas Holthaus Photography
New light as a sensual sensation
The installation "Lesser" by Olaf Nicolai shows a detailed replica of a historical Berlin "Schinkel lantern" at a scale of 4:1. For the German artist, the development of the metropolis Berlin is inextricably linked to the introduction of artificial light, night-time street lighting and illuminated advertising.
The title pays homage to the artist Ury Lesser (1861-1931), who made his mark in art history with his nocturnal depictions of Berlin, portraying the "new" light of the metropolis as a sensual experience. Much like a typical gas lantern, the sculpture comes alive with light in the evening and at night. Yet, with its striking size, it serves as a landmark, highlighting elements that are gradually disappearing from the city's landscape.
© courtesy Galerie EIGEN + ART Leipzig/Berlin / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2020. Image: Jonas Holthaus Photography
Probably the largest gas lantern in the world
We successfully completed this 16-metre-high sculpture made of high-gloss stainless steel for the artist. The planning and integration of the gas lighting system were complex, and the precise mirror polishing of the metal added to the challenge. The installation on the forecourt of the Upper West high-rise in Berlin was a real challenge. These types of challenging projects are exactly our area of expertise
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