School Outdoor area of the Kongerød school in Skien/Norway
2017 Commission through Open Competition
Promoter KORO, Skien municipality
Joint project/ artist team M.Kuhn/C.Dingens
”Ex Libris” and the four cardinal virtues. Larvikite sculpture placed in front of the new Kongerød school and library building in Skien/Norway, together with three separate larvikite satellite stones.
"EXLibris, gjennom tidene
The concept behind the theme “Ex Libris, through the ages” is to set a standard for the Kongerød school, which is reflected in the artistic representation. The idea is to record the history of the school and create visions for the future. The art should address the values of the school and make them learnable and tangible for the students. Another important consideration is the idea that the school's students should have the opportunity to actively participate in the work of art. The concept lies in a seating and activity sculpture, which also has a symbolic character. The special basic principles of the school, such as the status as a recognized “Courage-school” and the integration of its own library, shape the artistic statement as well as the topic of “sitting and movement sculpture”. Human virtues serve as a model for art, in the form of inner values that accompany the individual students during their time at school. These virtues are: courage, moderation and justice. The symbol of the “book” is a further topic for identity, history and personality development. Also with regard to the existing library within the school building.
Using the materials stone and wood, a sculpture concept was created that visualizes the virtues, addresses the world of a book and at the same time actively invites the audience to linger. Art integrates into the environment and into everyday school life - and marks a meeting point. The foundation stone is laid for Kongerød School, which will accompany the school and its development in the future.
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Book Sculpture/ wisdom:
l: 750 d: 220 h: 100 cm
Wooden terrace
l: 500 x d: 50 x h: 25 cm
Three Larvikit boulders/ justice, bravery and moderation:
"Justice" 70 x 100 x 70 cm
"Courage" 50 x 50 x 50 cm
"Moderation" 50 x 50 x 60 cm
"The virtue sculpture blocks" around the book sculpture
"Courage is knowing what to fear and what not to fear. Justice is always doing what is right, whether we like it or not.
Moderation is moderation in everything, including moderation itself ." Sokrates
"MOT"/ Courage virtue
Blue Larvikitt, surface polished with sandblasted title
length: 700 cm depth: height: 600x700 cm
"Rettferd"/ justice virtue
Blue Larvikitt, surface polished with sandblasted title
length: 700 cm depth: height: 600x700 cm
"Måtehold"/ moderate virtue
Blue Larvikitt, surface polished with sandblasted title
length: 700 cm depth: height: 600x700 cm