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The sculptures of Thomas Hirschhorn (b. 1957, Bern) might be described as three dimensional collages – huge, disparate, complex assemblages. Flugplatz Welt/World Airport was created in 1999 for the Venice Biennale and now forms part of the Mudam Collection. This vast installation comprises an extensive array of objects that collectively resemble an airport. To this, a large assortment of other elements are added. The objects have been fabricated out of inexpensive materials – one of the defining characteristics of Hirschhorn’s work. The decision to use materials that are readily available, ephemeral and familiar – such as cardboard, aluminium foil and tape –, as opposed to traditional fine art materials, helps create what Hirschhorn describes as the ‘precarious’ nature of these otherwise monumental works.
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