Gelitin: Crafting Community Through Playful Sculpture

For over three decades, the Austrian art collective Gelitin has embraced a fluid, anti-monumental approach to sculpture, focusing on play, collaboration, and social interaction. Their work transcends traditional boundaries, creating temporary social spaces that foster bodily pleasure and communal leisure. Wolfgang Gantner, a member of Gelitin, emphasizes that their art is situational, emerging from the interaction between individuals and the collective. “What are we missing in this place? What would be good for us?” he reflects, highlighting their process of dialogue and observation as central to their artistic practice.

New York Observer

One of Gelitin's notable projects is the "WirWasser" fountain in Vienna, designed as part of a newly developed urban district. Gantner explains that while the city requested a fountain, Gelitin envisioned it as a social space where people could gather and interact. The fountain features playful characters from which water flows, creating an inviting environment that encourages movement and informal occupation. “It’s about creating something for people—a place where they can feel comfortable, happy, and connected,” Gantner states, underscoring the importance of community engagement in their work.

New York Observer

Gelitin's sculptures, including the "WirWasser" fountain, embody a playful ethos that invites unexpected uses and empathetic engagement. Their approach aligns with the philosophy of architectural historian Roy Kozlovsky, who likens participatory art to children's adventure playgrounds, where meaning is created through interaction. Gantner notes, “We like the moment of surprise—not making something that simply persuades you to engage, but something you genuinely want to experience.” This playful energy is a key strategy for Gelitin, allowing them to explore creativity in a manner reminiscent of childhood exploration.

New York Observer

Their latest exhibition, "All for All," at Perrotin in New York, further exemplifies Gelitin's commitment to community and interaction. The exhibition features playful ceramic face tiles, originally designed for a public school in Munich, where each tile represents a distinct character. Gantner explains that the installation encourages viewers to engage with the work, emphasizing presence and plurality over instruction. “People understood it, responded to it, even bought individual tiles or groups of them,” he notes, illustrating the exhibition's success in fostering a communal experience.

New York Observer

Gelitin's artistic practice is characterized by continuous evolution, shaped by shared authorship and the human contexts in which they operate. Their refusal to specialize allows for adaptability across materials and methods, fostering a breadth of influence. Gantner concludes, “We try to stay open and, importantly, to stay happy,” reflecting their commitment to sustaining creative pleasure and responding to the evolving social and emotional needs of humanity. Through their playful and inclusive approach, Gelitin continues to redefine the boundaries of art and community engagement.

New York Observer