With their installation “Und Endlich”, the two artists Thomas Huber and Wolfgang Aichner have created something that actually doesn't exist: a watch that gives you more life.
Miesbach - The project, which arose behind closed doors in a Miesbach garage over the past few months, will come to a close next week - and will come to light for the first time: The 56-year-olds hang their 300-kilo work in a rock opening in the Swiss Alps.
There the pointers tick in real time - but slow down as visitors approach.
If you stand directly in front of it, the pointer stops moving.
An inspiring project with a lot of idealism behind it.
Huber has lived in Holzkirchen for over 20 years and has a studio in Munich.
Together with Aichner, who also works in the state capital as a full-blooded Munich resident, the 56-year-old has been realizing art projects in nature for decades.
Artist from Miesbach: "The idea belongs in the mountains"
“We have had the idea of addressing the issue of time in an installation for several years,” says Huber.
The two rejected the original idea of hanging the two-meter-tall clock in a hectic city.
“We agreed: the idea belongs in the mountains,” recalls Huber.
"Nowhere else could the moment of the apparent extension of life work so magically as in a place of calm."
Aichner also says: “There is a philosophical thought behind the clock.” He wanted to slow down time with his medium - the visual arts.
“Emblematic of the pressure and growth that came with industrialization.” The installation's message is also political here, of course.
However, technical progress has also found its way into the clock.
Huber explains: “Fuel cells that generate electricity from ethanol work in the aluminum housing.” From Holzkirchen, he can use the Internet to measure how hot it is in the watch - and how humid it is.
"If necessary, a fan can then be switched on for cooling."
Miesbacher software developer Georg Oechsler programmed for six months
Miesbacher software developer Georg Oechsler is also responsible for the implementation of this technically demanding project.
“He programmed the clock for around six months,” says Huber.
The engineer Michael Brünner from Miesbach, as technical manager, developed the case construction that surrounds a tower clock mechanism.
The installation comes to Switzerland because of the unique rock formation there.
Huber: “We'll take the watch apart next week and drive it to the Julier Pass.” In the canton of Graubünden - at 2200 meters - a team of helpers and three horses from the Swiss military carry the material to the rock gate, which is about two hours away.
The clock is attached with ropes in an environmentally friendly way - and decelerates visitors from August 19th to September 24th.
Also read: Exhibition in Otterfing: Experience volunteering in the shop window.
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