🔗 Share this article

When considering washroom remodeling, it might be wise to avoid hiring the sculptor to handle it.

Certainly, Herfeldt is a whiz in handling foam materials, creating intriguing artworks with a surprising substance. But as you observe these pieces, the clearer it becomes apparent that something is a little strange.

Those hefty lengths from the foam Herfeldt forms stretch beyond the shelves where they rest, hanging downwards towards the floor. The knotty foam pipes swell till they rupture. A few artworks leave their transparent enclosures fully, evolving into a collector of debris and fibers. Let's just say the reviews are unlikely to earn positive.

There are moments I feel an impression that items seem animated within a space,” states the German artist. Hence I turned to this substance as it offers such an organic feel and appearance.”

Indeed there is an element almost visceral in these sculptures, starting with that protruding shape that protrudes, similar to a rupture, from its cylindrical stand within the showspace, to the intestinal coils of foam which split open resembling bodily failures. Displayed nearby, the artist presents images depicting the sculptures seen from various perspectives: resembling wormy parasites seen in scientific samples, or growths on a petri-dish.

What captivates me is the idea within us occurring which possess independent existence,” the artist notes. Elements that are invisible or command.”

Regarding things she can’t control, the poster promoting the event includes a picture of water damage overhead at her creative space in the German capital. The building had been built in the early 1970s as she explains, faced immediate dislike from residents since many historic structures got demolished to allow its construction. The place was run-down when Herfeldt – originally from Munich although she spent her youth in northern Germany prior to moving to the capital as a teenager – began using the space.

This decrepit property was frustrating for her work – it was risky to display the sculptures without concern potential harm – however, it was fascinating. With no building plans on hand, nobody had a clue the way to fix the problems that developed. Once an overhead section at the artist's area got thoroughly soaked it gave way completely, the only solution involved installing the damaged part – perpetuating the issue.

In a different area, the artist explains dripping was extreme that a series of drainage containers were installed in the suspended ceiling to channel the water to a different sink.

“I realised that this place acted as a physical form, a completely flawed entity,” Herfeldt states.

These conditions reminded her of a classic film, the initial work movie from the seventies about an AI-powered spacecraft that takes on a life of its own. And as you might notice through the heading – Alice, Laurie & Ripley – other cinematic works influenced shaping this exhibition. Those labels refer to the female protagonists in the slasher film, another scary movie and the extraterrestrial saga as listed. Herfeldt cites a critical analysis from a scholar, which identifies the last women standing an original movie concept – women left alone to save the day.

They often display toughness, reserved in nature and she can survive because she’s quite clever,” the artist explains regarding this trope. “They don’t take drugs or have sex. Regardless the viewer’s gender, we can all identify with the survivor.”

The artist identifies a connection from these protagonists to her artworks – things that are just about staying put despite the pressures affecting them. Is the exhibition more about social breakdown than just dripping roofs? As with many structures, these materials meant to insulate and guard from deterioration are gradually failing within society.

“Completely,” she confirms.

Prior to discovering her medium using foam materials, Herfeldt used alternative odd mediums. Recent shows included organic-looking pieces using the kind of nylon fabric typical for on a sleeping bag or apparel lining. Once more, there's the feeling such unusual creations could come alive – some are concertinaed resembling moving larvae, others lollop down on vertical planes or spill across doorways gathering grime from contact (She prompts audiences to interact and soil the works). Similar to the foam artworks, these nylon creations are similarly displayed in – leaving – cheap looking display enclosures. These are unattractive objects, and really that’s the point.

“They have a particular style that somehow you feel compelled by, yet simultaneously appearing gross,” she says amusedly. “It tries to be absent, yet in reality extremely obvious.”

The artist does not create art to provide ease or visual calm. Instead, she aims for uncomfortable, awkward, maybe even amused. However, should you notice something wet dripping overhead too, remember this was foreshadowed.