One of the oldest documenta artworks is located at the University of Kassel. The "Scultura Astratta", an abstract sculpture made of a brass-bronze mixture, stands in the foyer in front of the refectory at the Wilhelmshöher Allee 71 site. It is amazing how much the impression and effect change with the position of the viewer.
The "Scultura Astratta" dates from 1958, was exhibited at documenta II in the Orangerie the following year and was purchased a year later for 20,400 DM for the then engineering school, a predecessor institution of the University of Kassel. It is thus one of the earliest documenta artworks ever to remain in Kassel.
The Italian sculptor Alberto Viani (1906 to 1989), a two-time documenta participant, usually worked with round, flowing, abstract forms. His works are reminiscent of those by Hans Arp or Henry Moore.
The sculpture fits wonderfully into the 1950s building on Wilhelmshöher Allee, which is itself worth seeing. For a long time, however, the "Scultura Astratta" was no longer present in the consciousness of a broader public. Since May 2017, a simple sign at the base informs about this little treasure at the University of Kassel. The foyer is open to the public during the university s opening hours.
Please note that the Scultura Astratta has not yet been included in the tours.
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