Is it art or industrial scrap? That’s the question many ask when they first see Positiv – Negativ. This thought-provoking sculpture sits here in Stuttgart. It invites us to consider perspective.
Positiv – Negativ was created by Wolfgang Nestler in 1977. It was part of Stuttgart’s Federal Garden Show. Nestler often explored scientific laws in his art.
Look closely at the two steel plates. Notice the shapes cut from each. The cut-out shapes are mirrored beside them. This creates a positive and negative space. Hence the name Positiv – Negativ.
The sculpture is made of rusty steel. It measures 200 x 200 x 3 cm. Over time, the steel plates have sunk slightly into the ground. Some might miss it at first glance. But this aging adds to its appeal.
Nestler plays with geometry in Positiv – Negativ. The work shows a square, a triangle, and a circle. Each has the same circumference. They also share the same surface area.
You’ll find Positiv – Negativ in the university park. It is located directly on one of the park’s many paths. The artwork invites interaction. Walk around it. View it from different angles. What do you see?
Take some photos. Capture the beauty from your unique viewpoint. Share your impressions with others.
There is no plaque with details on site. But that encourages personal interpretation. What does Positiv – Negativ mean to you?
Positiv – Negativ has aged gracefully. It invites reflection on how we perceive the world. It demonstrates how perspective shapes reality. A simple sculpture. A profound statement.