60 René Graetz (1908–1974) Inborn Power, 1970 Bronze cast, 73 × 44 × 35 cm Inv. no. Pl. 529 René Graetz’s Inborn Power resembles an organic form emanating energy from within. The sculpture reflects the influence of British artist Henry Moore (1898–1986), whom Graetz had met in London 25 years earlier. While Graetz focused on realistic depictions of the human body in the early stages of his career (see opposite), he turned to a more abstract visual language towards the end of his life. Inborn Power marks the beginning of the Upright Figures series, featuring vertical, biomorphic forms that stood in stark contrast to the officially sanctioned aesthetic of Socialist Realism in the GDR. Even the English title that Graetz gave to the work can be seen as a subtle act of dissent. Another version of the sculpture, this time cast in white concrete, is installed in the Skulpturenpark Magdeburg. _SaS
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