Karl Orth

Although iron is a strong metal, in the hands of a master sculptor it can be rendered to exhibit tender emotions. German artist Karl Orth has the gift of being able to bend and mold this ordinary material in such ways that it takes on human properties.  Working with wrought, welded, and abraded iron, he creates sculptures of people caught in varied moments of the human experience.  His works show people who are absentminded, who are absorbed in meaningful thought, and who struggle with conflict.

Orth’s style is simple. His sculptures’ faces are, for the most part, without much detail.   Rather, expression is shown through the contour of their bodies.  Heads bow solemnly, legs stretch and lunge, arms rest on hips or reach out, and bodies contort into awkward poses.  Apart from their varied poses, height, and sex, though, the people look nearly identical. Though they are small in stature (12-18 inches), they are big in depth of character.