Written on 19 May 2025. Posted in Emblem Art Collection.

Michael Kleine

• Main title: Mushroom
• Article teaser test: Stage Relics Reimagined: Michael Kleine's Artful Imitations
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    Michael Kleine (b. 1981, Germany) works across set design, performance, architecture, music, and sculpture, with a practice that continually shifts between formats and maintains a close dialogue with site and context. In his solo exhibitions and performances, he creates intense collective experiences by giving equal attention to the artwork/object, sound, architecture, social dynamics, and visual conditions.

    Across all genres, Kleine develops concepts that explore the encounter between visitor, artwork, and artist. His work frequently incorporates historical artifacts, and artistic collaboration is a recurring element of his practice.

    His work has been presented at institutions dedicated to both visual and performing arts, including Bonner Kunstverein; Baltic Triennial; Frac Lorraine Metz; Schinkelpavillon, Berlin; Volksbühne, Berlin; Kunstverein Leipzig; Künstlerhaus Stuttgart; Ruhrtriennale, Bochum; Theater Basel; Kampnagel, Hamburg; Zentrum für Kunst und Medien, Karlsruhe; Hamburgische Staatsoper; Museion, Bolzano; Sammlung Klosterfelde, Hamburg; Biennale Arte di Venezia; Philharmonie de Paris; Opéra de Reims; and Bundeskunsthalle Bonn.

    Mushroom (2023) by Michael Kleine is part of a series of found props collected by the artist from various theatre storage facilities. Mimicking real objects—mostly of organic origin—these props were handcrafted in specialized workshops using foam and other materials, employing skilled techniques developed at a time when prefabricated imitations were not readily available for purchase. As is still the case today, theatre productions were largely state-funded, and although the props were rarely reused, they were kept in long-term storage.

    The distinctive aesthetic of these objects stems from both the care involved in their making and the deterioration caused by poor handling during use and storage. These objects carry visible traces of physical contact—at times revealing a surprising degree of craftsmanship and precision, despite being intended for viewing only from a distance. Signs of wear from actors and backstage crews further shape their character.

    Charged with a particular kind of energy, the props function as repositories of human interaction—echoing the way art is often described as a form of energy storage. This quality becomes more pronounced when the artist draws attention to objects that possess little intrinsic value. In doing so, Kleine transforms these secondary items into artworks, playing a subtle game between seriousness and sentiment, while also presenting them as humorous imitations of what they are not.

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• Website: https://www.michaelkleine.com/
• Details title: About this piece
• Details list:
  • List text: 2023
  • List text: Found object (Styrofoam, paint, moss), iron nail
  • List text: Approx. 14 × 12 × 8 cm
  • List text: Unique piece
  • List text: Acquired in 2025

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