Client: Max-Planck-Gymnasium, Karlsruhe

Overview

Goals

For her art work Margit Abele drew inspiration from renown Physicist Max Planck, after whom the high school was named, and from the observatory located on the school grounds: “Seed” depicts glowing protoplasm in orbit, whose form and appearance are reminiscent of planets. The reflections created on the smooth, dark surface of the glass are an intended component of the art work. They draw the viewer into an unknown cosmos full of uncharted paths. “Saat”, Abele explains, “is dedicated to teachers who encourage curiosity and support young people, charting out new territory. And it is dedicated to students who are bravely discovering their own ways.”

Process

Margit Abele had never before worked in glass when she approached Derix Glasstudios to translate her design for the Max-Planck High School into glass. She visited the studio for an extended period of time and in close collaboration with our artisans worked on several painting samples. Once the ideal method of fabrication had been determined, our painters executed “Saat” with Abele approving their work at different stages throughout the process.