1. Atlanten

The work group of 34 Atlases is an extensive new artistic production, realized for the exhibition under the same title at HALLE FÜR KUNST reflecting the artist’s multiannual research, which took Kapfer to Mexico and other places. Based on the observation that uniforms of Mexican special forces are decorated with patches depicting the atlases of the Mexican Tula, Kapfer examines the symbolic power of the use of such codes by this unit in particular, which represents executive state power, alongside other (para-)military groups and power bearers. In this case, the emblem serves to align itself with the myth of the Atlases of Tula and thus does not only embody strength, but also a certain form of virtue.

Atlases are figurative columns whose origins can be found in Greek mythology. Ever since, they have appeared and been used in different epochs both in art and architecture. As male figures, they replace columns providing concrete support for the entire structure of buildings. By depicting these figures, it is precisely this image of strength and a positive association of power and masculinity that the special forces and their rulers refer to. Thereby, they attribute themselves a similar supporting role within society.

In this work, Kapfer draws from the atlases of Tula, which he visited in Mexico. With their height of four meters, a colossal threefold enlargement of the human figure, they provide Kapfer with the scale for his work produced for the exhibition. The replica of the Steyr AUG assault rifle, which was manufactured by Steyr Arms GmbH with headquarters in Sankt Peter, Styria, and used by the Austrian Hunting Command, is approximately two and a half meters long. Hence, akin to the atlases, its scale is three times the size of the original format.

Following the larger-than-life scale of the atlases, Kapfer has reconstructed a group of internationally popular items of (para-)military equipment out of black-painted wood. This work group gathers helmets, breastplates and gloves, but also the combat knife of the Austrian army, the Glock handgun which is part of the equipment of numerous troops, including the French army, a Kalashnikov commonly used in Russia, and a Winchester Mod 1300 shotgun for rubber bullets, which is employed at demonstrations worldwide.

Due to the sparse exhibition lighting and the artifacts, some of which are packed in boxes and lying on the floor, the situation is reminiscent of an armory.


Franz Kapfer, Atlanten, 2016 – 2024
34-part installation
Lacquer on wood
Courtesy the artist

1. Torso
155 x 172 x 5,5 cm

2. Genital protection
130 x 131 x 4,5 cm

3. Gloves
68 x 43 x 3,5 cm

4. Gloves
68 x 43 x 3,5 cm

5. Foot protection
60 x 144 x 3,5 cm

6. Foot protection
60 x 144 x 3,5 cm

7. Arm protection
46 x 96 x 3 cm

8. Arm protection
46 x 96 x 3 cm

9. Gas mask
90 x 71 x 5,5 cm

10. Protection helmet
76 x 96 x 4 cm

11. Iron mask
76 x 50 x 4 cm

12. Cloth mask
61 x 52 x 3,5 cm

13. Winchester Mod 1300
283 x 48 x 4,5 cm

14. HK MP5
154 x 80 x 8 cm

15. Madritsch ML40 MK1
142 x 82 x 8 cm

16. Colt M4
230 x 85 x 7 cm

17. Steyr AUG
219 x 67 x 8 cm

18. Tavor TAR-21
180 x 68 x 8 cm

19. Uzi
144 x 65 x 10 cm

20. Kalaschnikov AK12
260 x 76 x 8 cm

21. Tonfa Baton
186 x 53 x 4,5 cm

22. Baton
200 x 17 x 6 cm

23. Baton
264 x 25 x 7 cm

24. Glock 17
63 x 41 x 4,5 cm

25. Wide-range pepper spray
80 x 44 x 4 cm

26. IWI Masada
63 x 49 x 6 cm

27. SIG Sauer P320
66 x 48 x 6 cm

28. KS-11 Krav Maga Combat, Combat knife
73 x 16 x 4 cm

29. KM 2000 BW, Combat knife
91 x 22 x 5 cm

30. Glock Field knife FM78
87 x 15 x 4,5 cm

31. M9 Bajonett, Combat knife
94 x 23 x 6 cm

32. Ka-Bar US Army Knife 1220, Combat knife
90 x 18 x 5 cm

33. Handcuffs
65 x 27 x 2,5 cm

34. Ruger 308 Gen 1
300 x 80 x 8 cm