Ahatfenster 2009

Sigmar Polke created this window out of agate, a banded variety of silica mineral. Agate is a common material, but here, sliced into cross-sections and assembled, it becomes extraordinary. Agate’s inherent qualities of color, texture, and form are emphasized through Polke's careful arrangement. You can see how the translucent slices of agate filter and transform the light, creating a vibrant, almost psychedelic effect. Polke engaged with the skilled traditions of lapidary work—cutting, polishing, and setting gemstones. But Polke was not merely interested in the inherent beauty of the material. He was very aware of its symbolic associations too, transforming the window into a commentary on value. The use of agate, a semi-precious material, elevates the window beyond mere craft, challenging conventional distinctions between art and design. By embracing the material’s inherent qualities and imbuing it with social significance, Polke invites us to reconsider our relationship with the world around us.