A gigantic, pink squiggle stands out against the sky at Pilane. The surrounding landscape forms a painterly backdrop for this abstract, doodled sign. Like a modern interpretation of a 17th-century ornament, Baroque Schnörkel marks the ancient burial field that has been here since the Iron Age.

This sculpture by Jay Gard has the magnificence and drama of the opulent Baroque style that was predominant in Europe from the late 1500s until the early 1700s. Like the Baroque artists, who designed the tombs of princes, Gard has created a landmark for a place where our unknown ancestors lie buried.

The work combines tradition with visual innovation. Its coiling shape is a surprise, with giant dimensions and a bubble-gum pink colour that references both the rose hues of Baroque painting and popular culture. The industrial material is presented in a way that enhances its beauty.

Jay Gard, born in 1984 in Halle, Germany, studied at the Hochschule für Grafik und Buchkunst in Leipzig, with a degree in space technology from 2011. In his practice, he often quotes and paraphrases different artistic styles and cultural contexts. Some of his references are from old masters, others allude to Constructivism, Bauhaus or De Stijl. Gard exhibits regularly, and his art is represented at the Bauhaus Museum and Ny Carlsbergfondet.

jaygard.de