Oratio desperata (Verzweifeltes Gebet)
| Edition | Original Art |
|---|---|
| Sujet | Other |
| Technique | Sculpture |
| Height | 100 cm |
| Width | 57 cm |
| Length/Depth | 64 cm |
Size / Material
2025
Material: fabric impregnated with glue and epoxy resin on a lacquered steel panel
Dimensions: 100 × 57 × 64 cm
The sculpture depicts a veiled, upright figure whose body is stretched in a gesture somewhere between defiance and supplication. The overlapping, folded layers of fabric appear as if movement has been frozen. A moment of extreme tension in which form and material merge to express inner distress.
Oratio desperata explores prayer as the ultimate expression of human despair – a silent cry into the void that reveals both vulnerability and dignity.
By saturating the fabric with an increased amount of epoxy resin, a dark, glossy, reflective surface is created, conveying an impression of both heaviness and rigidity. The resin lends the figure great stability and resistance to breakage, whilst the solid, lacquered steel plate serves as a removable base. Two neodymium magnets (each with a holding force of 50 kg) embedded in the figure’s feet connect it invisibly to the base plate and ensure its upright, poised stance.
Shipping
The sculpture is shipped in a box lined with foam.
A certificate of authenticity is included; the work is marked on the base with the title, edition number and signature.
The figure and base plate are packed separately and can be assembled without tools.
Dominik Ackermann
studied fine art as a master’s student in Christian Sery’s class at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts. Prior to this, he graduated from the CHS Vocational College for Graphic Design in Karlsruhe and attended architecture-related further education courses at Dresden University of Technology.
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We look around and see people walking past us, standing still, leaning against architectural objects, structures and buildings. These people are strangers to us; they are strangers and will always remain so. We do not speak to them, and they appear aloof and anonymous. No longer recognisable as individuals and having lost their humanity, they become intangible beings, part of an urban landscape. These biological, natural forms gradually merge with their surroundings, with objects and the surrounding architecture. Thus, distorted fragments of humanoid life forms from an urban world are reflected in Ackermann’s works. A dialogue emerges here between these figures and their inner relationship with the viewer.
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Awards / Scholarships
Acquisitions / Inclusion in the ‘Ostsächsische Sparkasse Collection’ (2023/25)
Publication in: ‘Wissen schafft Raum’ by TU Dresden (2024)
Project funding for ‘Downtown’ from TU Dresden (2022/23)
EU4ART Long-Term Fellowship at the MKE, Budapest, Hungary (2021)
Solo exhibitions
KaB Downtown – Dresden Academy of Fine Arts (2023)
NATURAL PROCESSES, MKE – Magyar Képzőművészeti Egyetem, Budapest (2021)
DESIRABLE TIMES, Kunstraum GEH8, Dresden (2020)
