BAVARIA

Adam Stubley – 2023

Steel object with light and shadow effect

 ​

​​​

With "Die Bavaria", Adam Stubley reinterprets one of Munich's best-known landmarks: the Bavaria on the Theresienwiese. At Magic Bavaria, she does not appear as a massive bronze statue, but as a shadow play made of steel, working with light, silhouette and spatial effect.

The Bavaria is considered a symbol and secular patron saint of Bavaria. She stands for Bavarian identity, history and self-confidence - and remains one of the best-known photo motifs in Munich today.

​

THE IDEA BEHIND THE WORK

For Magic Bavaria, Adam Stubley takes up the Bavaria as an iconic Bavarian motif and translates it into a contemporary spatial effect. Instead of simply recreating the famous statue, he reduces it to outline, material and shadow.

This creates a new encounter with a familiar symbol: the Bavaria is not only seen as a monument, but experienced as an artistic installation. Light, steel and shadow come together to form an image that changes depending on the viewing angle and the effect of the room.

​

THE WORK IN THE EXHIBITION

At Magic Bavaria, the Bavaria becomes part of an interactive exhibition about Bavaria, landmarks, art and changing perspectives. The shadow play made of steel fits into the exhibition tour and shows how a well-known Munich motif can take on a new effect through material, light and staging.

Visitors encounter the Bavaria from an unusual point of view. The installation connects Bavarian history with contemporary object design and makes a historical symbol newly tangible within the room.

​

BAVARIAN CONTEXT AND CULTURAL CLASSIFICATION

The historic Bavaria on the Theresienwiese was designed between 1843 and 1850 by Munich artist Ludwig Schwanthaler on behalf of King Ludwig I and cast in bronze. At 18 metres high, it is one of Munich's most impressive landmarks.

For centuries, the Bavaria has inspired artists. She has been reinterpreted again and again in paintings, figures and sculptures. Adam Stubley continues this tradition at Magic Bavaria: his shadow play made of steel translates the historic motif into a modern form and makes the Bavaria visible in a new way as a symbol of Bavaria.

​

ABOUT ADAM STUBLEY

Adam Stubley was born in Huddersfield, England, in 1964 and grew up in an artistic family. He has lived in Bavaria, not far from Lake Ammersee, since 1986.

As an artist and designer, he works with materials such as metal, stone, wood and water. His works are often shaped by nature, space and the effect of materials. In recent years, he has also created several upcycling artworks focusing on environmental issues and plastic pollution in the oceans.

In Munich, Adam Stubley has worked for many years as an artist and designer for the Tollwood Festival, where he regularly presents sculptures and installations.

​

EXPERIENCE "DIE BAVARIA" AT MAGIC BAVARIA

"Die Bavaria" connects a historic Munich landmark with contemporary art and spatial effect. Steel, light and shadow create a modern interpretation of a symbol that remains closely linked to Bavaria and Munich today.

The artwork is part of the interactive exhibition at Magic Bavaria. You can discover many more installations, Local Art and Bavarian image worlds directly on site.