The artist describes some of his works as self-portraits: as mirrors of moods that express his feeling of being in the world. Sailstorfer's works often constitute humorous affirmations that attest the position of individuals in the context of actual space and time, and which can also be interpreted as metaphors for the human condition in society. Sailstorfer's work Zeit ist keine Autobahn (Time is not a Highway) is comprised of an electric engine that moves a tyre against one of the walls of the exhibit area at a high speed. The pressure exerted gradually causes abrasion, to the point the tyre itself must be replaced. Traces of rubber remain visible on the floor as signs of the progressive destruction of the tyre. Sailstorfer appears to be commenting upon the phenomenon of global acceleration. His tyre-tyres being distinguishing symbols of optimized progress and of the cultural attainments and mobility of modern society- turns continuously on itself while remaining at the same time motionless. This object may be interpreted as an amusing or melancholic metaphor for the senseless acceleration of social as well as existential dynamics. The very title of the work, Zeit ist keine Autobahn, alludes to an ironic reversal of the condition of modern man, whereby extreme acceleration no longer produces any meaningful movement or real advancement, but only leads to self-destruction. 

Michael Sailstorfer (Germany, 1979)

In his work, Michael Sailstorfer explores issues such as interpersonal relationships and the constant mobility of modern man in relation to the notion of belonging. The materials he uses to create his sculptures and installations mostly consist of everyday objects that are usually only considered from the point of view of their functionality and not their artistic worth. In such a way, Sailstorfer has made works of art of waiting rooms in bus stations, street lamps and concrete mixers. By de-constructing these objects and then recombining them, assigning them new functions and inserting them into new contexts, the artist creates surprising sculptures that reverse the usual meaning of things, while preserving features reflecting their original functions, but transposed to a different level.