The processual nature of the material, influenced by moisture, heat, and light—echoing the specific weather conditions of the lagoon—is a central feature of Polke's Biennale cycle. In Athanor, he devoted himself to material experiments that used organic pigments, purple snail secretions, metals, and minerals such as quartz crystal and cinnabar, as well as chemicals and synthetic substances. This interplay of materials enabled real-time observations of physical and chemical decay processes and contamination, as well as transformative formal language, lending the work a processual expressiveness, colorfulness, and depth. Many aspects of Sigmar Polke's alchemical working method were already evident in his Biennale cycle. This continues in fluid exhibition stagings and experiments in contemporary art as material- and eco-critical reflections.
The forum, a cooperation between the Anna Polke Foundation (Sophia Stang) and the Kunsthochschule für Medien Köln (Lilian Haberer), focuses on material and process research.
