Gross und Klein 1993

Editor: So, here we have Markus Raetz's "Gross und Klein," created in 1993. It appears to be made of metal and possibly glass. It shows a bottle and a glass on what seem to be tabletops, and it gives the eye a kind of optical illusion: the relationship of the items reverses. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, immediately I'm drawn to thinking about how museums and institutions present illusions. In many ways museums want the observer to 'buy into' the story of the collection. Here, Raetz presents the idea of reversed perspective, perhaps questioning how we are trained to look at objects and their relationship in society. Are we meant to focus on ‘gross’ (big), the importance? Is ‘klein’ (small) really insignificant? Editor: That’s a compelling point! The institutional framing definitely plays a role in shaping our understanding. Do you see other symbolic interpretations regarding public life? Curator: Absolutely. The sculpture uses common, domestic items – a bottle and glass, presented on simple tabletops. Everyday objects, but Raetz manipulates the relationship. How do power structures shape the objects’ relationships? Does it remind you of any historic presentation of objects or items? Editor: It brings to mind those old paintings with memento mori or still-lifes... Curator: Exactly! And consider what those still lifes were intended to do in society. To provoke. How does Raetz reframe that concept in a modernist way? Editor: It is a much less cluttered scene, but just as provocative in a subtle way. Thanks, that really opened my eyes! Curator: It's fascinating how art can reflect and challenge societal structures simultaneously, isn't it? The manipulation and commentary opens discourse about social influence.