Ohne Titel. 1986.
Sculpture. 4 granite plates forming a rectangle, of which one piolished.
4,5 x 120 x 80 cm (1,7 x 47,2 x 31,4 in).

Hardly any other German sculptor enforced the dictate of simplicity as much as he did. From Brancusi, who wanted to create the most simple forms in his sculptures by other means, Rückriem took the "taille directe", the direct chipping of the stone. Parting and joining, the clearly visible traces from the process of creation make for his works‘ particular appeal. "The material, its form, texture and dimension influence and constrict my sculpting“ (Rückriem, in: Künstler. Kritisches Lexikon der Gegenwartskunst, vol. 2, Munic 1988, p. 2). This statement puts clear that his work is subject to the forces of nature that have treated the stone over thousands of years. The artist executes minor interferences, however, he leaves clearly visible traces. The stone shows cut surface, drill holes and processed surfaces, but it neither represent anything nor is it an abstract rendering. Through the sensitive treatment Rückriem brings to light the stone’s very own beauty. [KP].