Hanke-Förster, Ursula (1924-2013), Balance Act, c. 1962

Ursula Hanke-Förster(1924 Berlin - 2013 ibid.), Balance Act , circa 1962. Bronze mounted on stone base, 57 cm (total height) x 26 cm (width) x 5 cm (depth), signed “U.[rsula] FÖRSTER” on the right stone leg.

- In excellent condition

- The balance of life -

The pair standing on the ground, intertwined, give rise to further figures that form a large, dynamic arch shape. While the lower pair is aligned to the right, the figures rising toward the sky form a shape that opens to the upper left, pointing beyond themselves with their outstretched arms. This right-left intertwining creates a tension that is observed by the lower couple looking upwards. The upward movement, which occurs in further pairs and culminates in the upper single figure, is a self-unfolding that is linked to the artistic challenge of maintaining balance, which is also the balance of life, of not losing the ground beneath one's feet and yet reaching for the stars.

In keeping with the dynamic figuration, the body shapes are fluid, while the inner structure is at the same time an inner consolidation, which is particularly evident in the original pair. The fluid movement, which consolidates within itself, creates a figuration that can be viewed from both sides and at the same time illustrates a new aesthetic of humanity.

About the artist

In addition to her training as a graphic designer from 1941 to 1944, Ursula Förster attended evening drawing classes with Max Kaus at the School of Arts and Crafts in Berlin. From 1945 to 1952, she studied first there and later at the Berlin University of the Arts, where she became a master student of Renée Sintenis. From 1952, Ursula Förster worked as a freelance artist in Berlin and was awarded the Berlin Art Prize in 1954. In 1962, she married the painter and graphic artist Günter Hanke. In 1965, Hilde Weström built the artist couple's house on Teltower Damm.