AUGUST HAPP

CORPUS FRACTUS

OCTOBER 25 – NOVEMBER 15, 2014

Galleri Sebastian Schildt presents a series of silver objects titled “Corpus Fractus” by Swedish silversmith August Happ. This silver corpus is executed to perfection and emanates from his own body.

In his early 20s, Happ underwent serious operations to both legs, followed by a long and agonizing recovery. Inspired by the dramatic x-rays of his own bones, fixated with titanium plates and screws, he made slender vessels pierced by replicas of the actual structures that helped his legs to heal. The fluid forms and harmonious expression of the vessels is contrasted with the hard, angular mechanics of the supporting framework; a contrast that conveys a physical sense of the pain of surgery and post-op recovery.

The prognosis is that it is going to hurt more and more. Numbness, tingling, cramps. But it is important for me to do the physical therapy as much as I can. If necessary, the maximum dose of analgesic may be exceeded for a period of time. Diazepam to be able to rest at night. If the pain is unbearable, the speed of tightening the screws may need to be reduced. You have to try and be persistent, this will take a long time.

– August Happ, excerpt from his diary on June 10, 2001 after a doctor’s appointment.

Each blow of the hammer has slowly and violently shaped the silver into corpus, much in the same way as Happ’s own achingly physical experience. Corpus Fractus embodies this journey of August Happ and is a fine example of someone turning their raw, physical pain into not only beautiful silver objects, but compelling art for others to experience and hopefully be moved by.

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