In a recent interview while perched atop Venice's Punta della Dogana, German artist Thomas Schütte discussed his artistic process and the new exhibition showcasing his work spanning from 1977 to the present. Known for his monumental sculptures that challenge classical statuary norms, Schütte also reveals a softer side through intimate watercolors created during his recovery period in 2022. This exhibition, titled "Genealogies," explores recurring themes in his five-decade career, including human delusion, anxiety, power corruption, and mortality. The display features both large-scale sculptures and never-before-seen personal sketches, offering viewers a comprehensive look into Schütte's creative world.

Thomas Schütte, who turned seventy last year, finds inspiration in materials like dirt and clay, which he likens to therapy. While other artists may focus on video art, Schütte prefers hands-on work with tangible substances. His studio is located near his home, allowing him easy access to workshops in Cologne and Düsseldorf. During his youth at the Kunstakademie in Düsseldorf, Schütte was influenced by teachers such as Gerhard Richter, who encouraged individuality and versatility in art. These early lessons shaped his expansive portfolio, encompassing bronzes, glass works, architectural models, and even plant gravures paying homage to Duchamp.

Schütte’s sculptures often depict exaggerated human forms—contorted fighters, dignitaries with exaggerated features, and elongated figures resembling Michelin men. These pieces critique societal assumptions of superiority and explore the complexities of human identity. Conversely, his watercolors are vibrant depictions of snakes, flowers, faces, ladders, letters, and even mundane objects like socks. These artworks serve as a visual diary, reflecting deeply personal stories and emotions. Schütte acknowledges his preference for visual storytelling over verbal expression, emphasizing the fragility of the human condition.

The exhibition begins with Schütte's "DEKA Fahnen" series, flags transformed into pictorial canvases filled with cherries, anchors, musical notes, and black lemons. Surrounding these are massive bronze statues of men seemingly trapped in mud, symbolizing feelings of entrapment and limitation experienced by the artist himself. A highlight of the exhibition is "Vater Staat," an almost four-meter-high bronze figure wrapped in a dressing gown, representing impotence and lack of substance in authority figures. Its counterpart, "Mutter Erde," stands strong and grounded at the gallery entrance, adorned with a crown.

This exhibition concludes with a poignant collection of watercolors created during Schütte's stay at a psychiatric clinic in 2022. Co-curator Camille Morineau recounts the challenging process of selecting fifty drawings from hundreds within a thirty-minute timeframe while Schütte prepared risotto. Displaying these intensely personal works proved emotionally difficult for the artist, highlighting his self-critical nature. Despite this vulnerability, Schütte believes that experiencing emotions, even tears, signifies emotional health. Through "Genealogies," visitors gain insight into Schütte's diverse artistic expressions and profound exploration of humanity's multifaceted identity.