Standing Youth c. 1925

Curator: Hermann Haller's bronze sculpture, "Standing Youth," at roughly 95 centimeters, captures the male form in a seemingly relaxed pose. Editor: He looks kind of pensive, doesn't he? Like he's carrying the weight of the world on those young shoulders, even with his hands casually behind his head. Curator: The rough texture of the bronze speaks to the labor involved in its creation, pushing against idealized notions of beauty by emphasizing the process. We are conscious about the material. Editor: Absolutely, but for me, it's more about vulnerability. The bronze feels warm to the touch, and I’m drawn into how raw and open he is. Curator: It is thought provoking, and it certainly gives an insight into the human condition, showing the labor and material as well as the human. Editor: Yes, I find the raw honesty and self-reflection of the statue, it invites each viewer to find their own perspective.