Sumoringer

‘Sumoringer’ by Austrian artist Erwin Wurm, born in 1954, is part of a series of headless figures. By omitting the heads, Wurm emphasises the clothing that serves as a symbol for status and identity. The focus is therefore not on the personality of the person wearing the clothing.

Erwin Wurm is known for his innovative and often playful approach to sculpture. He refers to his work as ‘social sculptures’. Wurm transforms everyday objects and situations into works of art that, while they are humorous, contain a deeper meaning. He invites you to reflect on our society’s pressing social and psychological issues.

“Sumo wrestlers” are a good example of this: they show how clothing and physical characteristics influence our perception of other people. Although the sculpture has no head, it is still full of expression due to the sumo wrestler’s posture and clothing. The image forces us to confront the role of appearance and impact of cultural icons in our society. The choice of the sumo wrestler – which is a metaphor for big and strong – in combination with the missing head, emphasises Wurms’ message about the way we give status and power to people.