Sculpture Challenge

What does a sculpture look like? What material is it made of? And does it even have to be beautiful or perfect?

The monumental works of British artist Phyllida Barlow turn familiar notions of sculpture on their head. Rugged forms, simple building materials, and surprising dimensions invite viewers to take a closer look and adopt new perspectives.

Together, the students explore the exhibition and discover how Barlow’s works fit into the history of sculpture. In the process, it becomes clear how artists have repeatedly challenged traditional rules and expanded the possibilities of form, material, and space. Through discussion, the students grapple with central questions: What defines a sculpture? How do material, size, and location influence our perception? And why can raw, unfinished, or unusual forms be particularly fascinating?

During the 90-minute guided tour, the young people get creative in the studio themselves: Inspired by their observations, they create their own two- and three-dimensional artworks using paper and paint. In doing so, they engage creatively with form, material, and space and gain a hands-on understanding of the central themes in Phyllida Barlow’s art.

Recommended for ages 10–19
Guided tour: 60 min. or 90 min. with a creative session
Can be combined with a workshop module of your choice, such as “Sculptural”
#FemaleArtist #Sculpture #SpatialExperience #WillingnessToExperiment

More about the exhibition: Phyllida Barlow (21.11.2026 – 29.03.2027) at the Kunsthalle Krems

Phyllida Barlow (1944–2023) is one of the most distinctive sculptors in contemporary art. Her powerful, large-scale installations have garnered international attention. The exhibition at the Kunsthalle Krems marks the first time Barlow’s body of work has been presented in Austria in a museum-scale retrospective. The show brings together large-scale installations, individual sculptures, and models with paintings and works on paper.