Three concrete modules stand intertwined a testament to life’s journey. This is “Les trois âges de la vie” or The Three Ages of Life. This sculpture by Michael Grossert resides at the entrance of a senior citizens’ center on Rue Grétillat.
Completed in 1975 the polychrome concrete artwork embodies a unique vision. It moves away from a conventional representation of life stages. Grossert presents the three ages not as a definitive hierarchy. Instead he focuses on their harmonious coexistence.
Imagine the artist Michael Grossert. Born in Lucerne Switzerland he honed his skills through diverse training. He mastered carpentry and sculpture. He then attended the School of Arts and Crafts of the Four Cantons. He absorbed the fundamentals that would shape his artistic core. After receiving several awards in the German-speaking world he moved to Paris in 1966. There he actively participated in group exhibitions. He concentrated his efforts on polychrome sculptures showing an increasing interest in plastic materials.
Look closely at the sculpture. Each module boasts a unique color intensity. This vibrant approach emphasizes the twists and turns inherent in existence. It illustrates life as a complex path filled with both ruptures and rebirths. The artist prompts reflection on the phases we all inevitably traverse.
The sculpture is not about a simple vertical genealogy. It represents an upswing. The juxtaposition of colors gives the artwork its primary meaning. Life is above all a complex path marked by ruptures and rebirths.
Sadly a fire engulfed Grossert’s Parisian studio in 1990. The disaster destroyed almost all his creations. He persevered. He continued his work in Basel.
“Les trois âges de la vie” embodies Grossert’s artistic vision. It acts as a profound statement on aging and the human condition. It offers a space for contemplation within the urban landscape.