BIOGRAPHY

Volker Merkle, born in Schwenningen (Germany) in 1959, graduated in Mechanical Engineering, initially dedicated himself to the creation of furniture produced exclusively with fine woods and stainless steel, then moving on to art in 2018, entering a contemporary artistic context that tries to break with the traditional conventions of art, seeking new horizons.
An artist interested in exploring the different possibilities offered by materials such as concrete, wood, steel and pure pigments, playing with shapes and textures. The sculptures can recall natural or geometric elements, but always with a touch of originality and dynamism, just as the designer tables in solid wood, sometimes covered in gold, represent a further example of the artist’s research in creating works that can be aesthetically appealing and functional at the same time.

His choice to use concrete slabs as a support for abstract paintings can be interpreted as a desire to challenge the limits imposed by the canvas. Concrete, a basic building material, is transformed into a work of art, breaking its practical function and placing it as an object of aesthetic contemplation.
Volker Merkle paints on concrete using only pure pigments, a key element of this artist’s work. These pigments, both natural and synthetic, are carefully chosen for their luster and vibrancy, and are expertly applied to the concrete slab. The result is a range of vibrant, bold colors that immediately catch the eye.
The use of concrete as a base for his works adds an interesting element of contrast. Concrete is usually associated with rigidity and coldness, but the artist manages to transform it into a dynamic support for his abstract works.
What contributes to making his works truly unique is the inclusion of a steel frame he created himself, creating an even stronger contrast between the rawness of the concrete and the industrial material of steel which gives the works a contemporary and innovative feature.

His work goes beyond pure aesthetics. It represents a reflection on the hardness and solidity of the modern world, on the relationships between art and industry, as well as on the search for purity and essence both in colors and in the materials themselves. His use of pure pigments and the decision to paint on concrete convey a sense of authenticity and resistance, which invites viewers to reflect on connections with the world around them, on the relationships between industry, nature and purity itself.
Each work by Volker is a unique piece that conveys a sense of harmony and balance. His solo exhibition in Venice attracted the attention of art lovers and critics, further cementing his reputation as one of contemporary art’s most promising talents. The inclusion of his works in important collections is a confirmation of Volker’s artistic value. His subsequent exhibition at a gallery in Brera was another confirmation to his growing appreciation as an artist, his refined and elegant works are undoubtedly a pleasure to behold and an acknowledgment to his artistic talent.

In addition to being a painter, he is also a sculptor: sculptures in wood and steel represent a union between two completely different materials, but which together can create unique and evocative works of art. This combination allows to obtain a synergy between the naturalness and strength of the two elements, which blend harmoniously to give life to creative and original works.
Wood, which has always been used in sculptural art, has a warm and natural beauty. Its veins and shades enhance the feeling of warmth and intimacy that it transmits, they can be molded and shaped into infinite shapes and make each work unique in appearance and meaning.
Steel, on the other hand, represents the opposite of wood in terms of appearance and physical properties. This material is rigid, cold and metallic. It is capable of resisting corrosion and supporting large amounts of weight.
The combination of wood and steel allows you to create sculptures that skillfully balance fragility and strength, the natural and the artificial elements. These works can represent a fascinating contrast, where the sweetness and delicacy of wood mix with the robustness and hardness of steel, creating multiple meanings and interpretations. They can represent the duality of man, the relationship between nature and technology, or simply be an artistic expression that leaves space for the imagination of those who observe it, making tangible the idea that even the most opposite materials can find a perfect balance.

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