
Stephan Balkenhol is one of the most renowned German sculptors of our time and is famous for his figurative, coloured wood sculptures and reliefs that he hand-carves from whole tree trunks, using a mallet and chisel, saw, and knife. The traces of this very manual work are not smoothed but remain a visible, fascinating feature of his works.
Cast in bronze, his works also appear outdoors in public space, often in unusual places like, for example, the top of the tower of St. Elisabeth Church in Kassel or on top of buoys floating in the river Elbe in Hamburg.
The human figure is the main interest of Balkenhol, the figure of a man wearing a white shirt and black trousers having become iconic but Balkenhol’s sculptural world is also populated with female figures, hybrids between animals and humans while his reliefs also feature landscapes.
The exhibition at KÖNIG SEOUL will be Balkenhol’s first in Korea and will include sculptures in wood and bronze.****
Stephan Balkenhol is known not only for his technical mastery of the woodcarving medium, but also for his exploration of the role of the figure in contemporary sculpture. Throughout his practice, Balkenhol has explored the concept of the figure, alluding to and drawing from art history to create his suite of characters, albeit each is stripped of any specific personality.




A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services