Carolin Liebl & Nikolas Schmid-Pfähler Forever Fading
Artist talk

The exhibition primarily features objects made of molten plastic, created with the help of a self-designed robot, known as an extruder. The technique is based on the operating principle of a 3-D printer. The creative process gives rise to a fascinating interplay between machine and human. The robot acts as a partner, melting the recyclable plastic into a liquid state as well as extruding it through a nozzle. Additionally, it mixes it with the color pigments selected by the artists. Through the movement of the extruder and the manipulation of the material – which is initially liquid and malleable but later hardens – the artists are then able to influence the design of the sculptural works. Each work is unique, as its creation process can never be replicated exactly. The result is captivating, sensuous Artifacts – snake-like, colorful formations that sometimes intertwine into Fluff-y, creative tangles. Also captivating are two installations titled Flowers. In vases, ‘bouquets’ are arranged from colorful objects made of recyclable plastic that resemble real plants.

The work Nature Soft documents the duo’s spirit of inquiry as they explore the themes of transience and sustainability from artistic, philosophical, and scientific perspectives. A piece of plastic was placed in organic compost for two months, and its condition and decomposition process were documented with 800 individual microscopic images, which were then assembled into a large photograph measuring three by three meters. The Liebl & Schmid-Pfähler duo, who now live and work in Offenbach, succeed in a highly sensory way in inspiring viewers of their works to reflect on the themes of becoming and passing away, sustainability, and value.