The Reconciliation of Opposites

Life and thought can diverge greatly: opposites of extremes such as love and hate or calm and chaos seem to determine human life, yet in reality it is usually the space in between—a fusion—that shapes life. Like physical processes in nature, humans are always striving for balance. »We distinguish the poles and decide between them«, says artist Klemens Pasoldt, whose sculptures uniquely reflect the ambivalence of human existence. Simple forms such as ellipses and cavities, arranged in intersecting configurations, become complex carriers of meaning that unite the extremes, as seen, for example, in the series Hello?!, which is on view alongside other works in the artist’s current exhibition: At Mörsburg Castle, an 11th-century hilltop fortress, his sculptures enter into dialogue with the medieval walls and the furnishings of the rooms. Geister, die ich rief runs from May 1 to September 27. The artist will be present at the opening. A reading featuring reflections on the sculptures by writer and actor Hans Gysi is planned for the summer.

Even before entering the castle, visitors encounter Pasoldt’s 2.5-meter-tall wooden sculpture Grosser Wächter (Great Guardian, see picture below), which almost disappears against the indestructible stone wall: Nothing is definitive; everything depends on context. The artist, who hails from Winterthur, initially studied geology before changing course to study at the Higher Technical College for Art, Design, and Craft in St. Gallen. His preferred medium is wood, though he also creates sculptures in bronze, steel, and plaster, as well as prints.

Opening Reception & Start of the Castle Season: May 1, 2026; 2:00–5:00 p.m.; Free admission
Exhibition dates: May 1 – September 27, 2026
Opening hours: Wed – Sat 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.; Sun 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Mörsburgstrasse 36, 8404 Winterthur