03.10. – 05.10.2025
Silke
Trekel
Folds
From surface into space
We encounter folds in many different ways in our everyday lives – in nature, in architecture and in technology. Just think of the versatility of folding cartons or the lightweight construction of load-bearing structures.
Folding is the design principle that transforms planar materials into spatial structures and volumes. By way of games, we explore how paper can be formed into small and stable sculptural objects, through cutting, folding, creasing and crimping.
Starting from these experiences, we go in search of different materials that can be worked with simple tools in such a way that forms develop from surface into space. These materials can be foils, thin metal sheets, wire mesh, stone paper and the like.
In the process of forming, inspired by its aesthetic and constructive properties, we enter into a stimulating dialogue with the material. The focus lies equally on finding minimalist solutions and the use of elementary techniques.
Folding is the design principle that transforms planar materials into spatial structures and volumes. By way of games, we explore how paper can be formed into small and stable sculptural objects, through cutting, folding, creasing and crimping.
Starting from these experiences, we go in search of different materials that can be worked with simple tools in such a way that forms develop from surface into space. These materials can be foils, thin metal sheets, wire mesh, stone paper and the like.
In the process of forming, inspired by its aesthetic and constructive properties, we enter into a stimulating dialogue with the material. The focus lies equally on finding minimalist solutions and the use of elementary techniques.
Folded and pinned, overlapping like scales or interwoven, titanium elements are lined up to form large-scale movable pendants and brooches. Linear structures become three-dimensional and evoke a wide range of associations in the viewer. Forms from architecture are combined with images of flora and fauna. It is the balance between materiality and form that I find appealing when working with titanium: its lightness, elasticity and hardness, as well as its shimmering colourfulness, composed of numerous shades of grey, make it for me a sensual material that transcends space and time.
| Silke Trekel | |
| 1969 | born in Rostock, Deutschland |
| 1987–1991 | training as a precious metal worker, VEB Ostsee-Schmuck Ribnitz-Damgarten |
| 1991–1998 | Burg Giebichenstein Kunsthochschule Halle, faculty sculpure/jewellery |
| 1994–1995 | LASALLE College of the Arts, Singapur |
| since 1998 | own studio in Halle (Saale) |
| since 2018 | teaching art, TU Chemnitz |