Günther Uecker

Günther Uecker (born March 6, 1930, in Wendorf – died June 10, 2025, in Düsseldorf) was a German sculptor, installation artist, and painter, best known for his use of nails to create textured, kinetic surfaces. He studied at Kunstschule Wismar and Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he trained under Otto Pankok. Uecker became a central figure in the international ZERO movement in the 1960s, collaborating with artists like Otto Piene and Heinz Mack, and exploring light, movement, and unconventional materials. His signature nail installations, reliefs, and large-scale immersive works emphasize repetition, texture, and the interplay of light and shadow. Over his career, he has participated in major exhibitions, including documenta and the Venice Biennale, and has received numerous awards for his contributions to contemporary art. Uecker has also taught at Kunstakademie Düsseldorf and influenced generations of artists, remaining active in creating sculptures, installations, and stage designs well into his later years.