Stephan Reichmann

The four seasons: Sculptures made from coloured birch bark

This collection of sculptures is based on birch bark that I collect in my immediate surroundings in the countryside. The bark is characterised by the age of the trees, the influence of wind and weather and their location. Their organic structure forms the basis of each work.

I have painted over or soaked the pieces of bark several times with oil colours. Each colour refers to one of the four seasons: light green and pink for spring, sunshine yellow and sea blue for summer, rust red and orange for autumn, white and light grey for winter. The intense, almost unnatural colours create a deliberate contrast to the naturalness of the material.

Each sculpture stands on its own plinth and varies in height and format. The objects can be displayed individually or arranged in groups - for example as a sequence of the seasons. The latter creates a rhythmic alternation between colour effect, material presence and spatial placement.

Here "Die vier Jahreszeiten | The four seasons" as a videoclip made in my countryside garden in July 2025, live music by singing birds included.