Olaf Metzel, Headscarf Studies, 2006 Chalk and pastel on handmade paper. Courtesy the artist.
Olaf Metzel uses provocation as mental impetus for his art. The clash of cultures on city streets can generate anger, prejudice and strong feelings which Olaf Metzel deliberately provokes in his politically charged works. Metzel often creates his sculptures from scrap iron, like in the Randale Monument in Berlin or discarded football stadium seats in good-bye in Nuremberg. In both cases the sculptures led to substantial protests against the artworks in their respective cities.
Metzel was born in Berlin and lives and works in Munich. He has participated in 1987 Documenta 8, Kassel, Sculpture Project Munster, 1997, the 2008 Brussels Biennial, Contemporary Art in the City and in Art of Two Germanys / Cold War Cultures at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art 2009, as well as numerous solo exhibitions worldwide.