MINT Gallery exhibits Stefan Rinck's masterful stone carving with his humor

The MINT Gallery is exhibiting sculptures by Berlin-based sculptor Stefan Rinck, whose works combine mythical symbolism, subtle wit, and masterful stonework. With his unmistakable signature style, Rinck is one of the defining voices of contemporary sculpture – his figures combine intellect, craftsmanship, and humor to create a powerful, unique language.

Sculptor with a philosophy of stoneworking

Stefan Rinck's figures arise from an intellectual engagement with cultural history and symbolism, as well as from the physically intensive process of stoneworking. Rinck understands stone not only as a material, but as a partner. Each work develops organically from the block – through reaction to the color, structure, and resistance of the rock.

Sculptures are animals, humans, and hybrid creatures as humorous reflections

Rinck's sculptures are characterized by their figurative vocabulary: animals, mythical creatures, and hybrid beings with human traits. Sometimes a hat adorns the head of a lion, sometimes a crocodile-like creature smokes a cigarette. These ironic details lend his figures humanity and wit – at the same time, they seem like fables in stone. Behind the humor lies a deeper level: the animals appear as swindlers who appropriate human characteristics in order to “be more.” The result is a playful commentary on social role models and human vanity.

MINT Gallery presents trilogy of three stones

Rinck's craftsmanship is evident in his virtuoso mastery of different types of stone. He works with sandstone, diabase, and marble—materials that each have their own language. Diabase, for example, allows for polished surfaces that, alternating with matte areas, create extraordinary depth. Sandstone appears soft and earthy, marble noble and cool. For the MINT Gallery, Rinck has created a trilogy from these three stones: a crocodile-like Egyptian mythical creature made of sandstone, a sailor made of diabase, and a thunder god with a hat made of marble. Each figure bears the wit and craftsmanship that characterize Rinck's work.

Contemporary sculpture with an international presence

Stefan Rinck has long been known beyond the borders of Germany. His sculptures were recently on display in front of the Grand Palais in Paris, as well as at the Amsterdam Sculpture Biennale. He will soon be showing his first solo exhibition at the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich – further proof of his museum relevance.

Art that lives on – sculptures with patina and character

Rinck's works are not confined to the exhibition space. Whether placed indoors or outdoors, the stone changes over time, developing patina and allowing the figures to age like living beings. This process lends the works depth and authenticity. His sculptures invite you to surround yourself with them, to let them work their magic in the garden, on the terrace, or in the living room—as lasting companions that continue to evolve over the years.

With the presentation of Stefan Rinck, the MINT Gallery shows that humor, mythology, and masterful craftsmanship can form a powerful unity in contemporary sculpture. His works combine the playful with the philosophical—and prove that even stone can be alive.