In Atlanta I was immersed in an entirely new world

Friday, March 26, 2021

In Atlanta I was immersed in an entirely new world

Virginia 1993

7, August

Dear Phillip,

Your letter followed me from Wheeler to Atlanta, Georgia to Manassas, Virginia - long enough that I want to write you now some greetings. Not much time is left in my work for private time. Especially in Atlanta I was immersed in an entirely new world - reading the gestural and physiognomic pattern-forms of primates, especially Bonobos, a "related form" of small chimpanzees (they are not chimpanzees look superficially similar). The request is = can a bronze sculpture be made, which conveys by gesture of body and face an intention of the Bonobo to help a child which is unable to speak (totally mute) to express itself via a "keyboard". (keyboard = a plate with symbols, when touched will give (illegible) the sound of the meaning of the symbol). I entered this task with great commitment, as it should help the children to receive such keyboards and to further the research in general on an improved approach to teaching (NOT training)

With Cliff and Belva I had the chance to discuss the project of research and the form given in clay for bronze, in detail.

Soon more of it's development.

How are you? Did you obtain some work? When you left California did you know the conditions at Guayama? You were properly informed or not?

Best wishes, your Wolfram

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Wolfram Friedrich Niessen, 1923 - 2004

German-born sculptor and educator, Wolfram Friedrich Niessen, had an extensive background in the arts beginning in the mid-1940's and later went on to receive advanced degrees in both Germany and the USA. His teaching credentials list him as a former staff member of five different U.S. and Canadian universities, beginning in 1956, including the University Of Wisconsin-Stout and Northern Michigan University, from which he retired in the mid 80's.

Proficient in all mediums of sculpture, in the 1950's/60's Niessen exhibited avant garde pieces made of a variety of materials such as wood, iron, aluminum and acrylic. Later he became better known for his bronze busts of internationally known individuals. His pieces have been exhibited in many prestigious galleries and museums around the world.

Niessen, who later in life changed his name to Ben Monte-Auburn Lancaster, spent his last years at his art studio in Wheeler, Wisconsin, sculpting, occasionally travelling, and continuing his work of more than 30 years: planting and maintaining thousands of trees to re-forest damaged ecosystems. He died in 2004.

This is a commemorative site to celebrate the life, art and philosophy of Wolfram Niessen.