The human psyche in bronze, clay and paper

Her sculptures are characterized by rough surfaces that leave the impression of liveliness. Sylvia Hagen's fragmentary figures depict not only the human body, but also the human psyche, dominated by self-reflection and inner conflicts. Hagen (*1947) has been working as a freelance artist since 1976. Initially, stone was her preferred material, later she devoted herself to bronze and terracotta sculptures. Hagen exhibited several times at important art exhibitions in the GDR, but received little attention for a long time after reunification. The Neuhardenberg Castle Foundation is now presenting Sylvia Hagen. Traces: Bronze – Clay – Paper, the artist's largest solo exhibition to date, with works from five decades. In addition to bronze and terracotta figures, numerous charcoal drawings and gouaches will also be on display from August 25 to December 22.

Hagen originally began studying medicine, which she abandoned after three years to study sculpture at the Kunsthochschule Berlin-Weißensee. An extremely rarely practiced working method contributes to the unique effect of her works of art: Hagen forms her terracotta works, some of which are models for bronze sculptures, from clay slabs, which she lays on top of each other and works on further. The individual figures are created over weeks and months, sometimes years. By slowly approaching the human exterior and interior, the artist is able to depict this complexity. Sylvia Hagen is a two-time winner of the Brandenburg Art Prize (2006, 2017) and also received the award in 2022 as an honorary prize for her life's work.

The artist will personally guide visitors through the exhibition on four Saturdays at 4 pm. The guided tours will take place on September 28, October 12, November 23 (at 3 pm) and December 7.

Hagen's bronze sculpture Gegen den Strom (2012/16) has been permanently installed at Neuhardenberg Castle for a few weeks now as part of a memorial to Carl-Hans Graf von Hardenberg and the German resistance during the Nazi era. The installation took place on the 80th anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler on July 20, 1944 and was connected to the opening of the exhibition Night-time in Germany. Persecution – Destruction – Resistance. Works from the Gerhard Schneider collection.