Swabian Gmünd. The vernissage showed works by Rolf Haug (1922–2001), which were donated by the T. Hörner family. The association was able to sell some works at the vernissage on Friday, with the proceeds going to the Schwäbisch Gmünd Youth Art School.

Haug’s works and presented panels are experimental, abstract and colorful; and in many works the figurative elements dissolve completely and become a color space. Dr. Gabriele Holthuis asks visitors to look at the works with a slight squint in order to get closer to the perspective of the war-disabled, almost blind artist Rolf Haug and to look at the works from his point of view. Holthuis, former museum director of the Museum im Prediger, already knew Rolf Haug’s works and estate from 2005, when she curated and presented to the public a first and only comprehensive exhibition in the Galerie im Prediger.

Publicity-shy artist

The artist, who was severely visually impaired, avoided showing his work to the public throughout his life. In addition to the expressively colored panels, some of Haug’s sculptures are also on display. Figures appear to turn away from the outside world and form cocoon-like, closed forms. “As withdrawn as the artist himself,” is how Holthuis and Mayor Mihm interpreted the sculptures on Friday evening. A two-meter-high sculpture by R. Haug has stood for many years on the Münsterplatz in the public space of our city next to the Augustinuskirche.

Still works for sale

The works of R. Haug can be viewed and purchased for a good cause in the pop-up store at Bocksgasse 16 until September 8th. In this way, the artist and his descendants support the work of the youth art school. Interested parties have the opportunity to be part of a small part of his work and his story for a short time. The exhibition catalogues from 2005 are also available for interested visitors.

RZ