Despite its open, gridded structure and solid stone spheres suspended in apparent defiance of gravity, Alicja Kwade’s LinienLand (2018) weighs over twenty-five tons. Kwade’s distinctive artistic language often blends human-made elements and natural materials in an effort to explore the essence of our reality and examine social structures.

Kwade conceived of LinienLand while installing Pars pro Toto at the 2017 Venice Biennale. Observing massive cranes lift heavy stones into place, she envisioned a piece where spheres would appear to float weightlessly. The grid structure in LinienLand symbolizes human logic and systems, while the natural stone spheres, sourced from various continents, evoke the passage of time. This juxtaposition raises questions about what constitutes reality and who defines it.

Installed outdoors for the first time, LinienLand acts as a frame through which to view the surrounding sky and landscape, suggesting parallel worlds and encouraging reflection on the constructs that shape our understanding of existence.

You may enter the sculpture but do not climb on or touch the work. Please mind your steps as you as you follow the path through the artwork.