SUGAR SCULPTURES
Contemporary edible materials artworks by Gerhard Petzl
Gerhard began working with gelatine sugar because of its exceptional durability compared to pulled sugar and other edible materials. This medium allows sculptures to be created even in exotic, high-humidity environments and in extraordinary large-scale dimensions.
Over the years, he has created works ranging from experimental bark-like textures and glass-inspired poured sugar bowls to the largest sugar bird sculpture ever made, featuring a wingspan of more than two metres for a gallery in Germany.
Some of his sugar artworks are now more than ten years old and still retain their original beauty.
Discover Gerhard’s collection of unique sugar sculptures.
Early architectural sugar miniatures (1993–1994)
Created between 1993 and 1994 in a small rented room before later professional kitchens and studios, these early architectural miniatures mark the beginning of a long-term sculptural investigation into architecture, ornament and fragile materials.
Early Hotel & Buffet Display Sculptures (1994–2001)
Custom sculptural centerpieces for luxury hotels and buffet presentations. Created during Petzl’s years as pastry chef, these works explore scale, spectacle and architectural ornament through sugar.
Experimental & Reinforced Sugar Sculptures (2000–Present)
Experimental sculptural works exploring textures, mixed materials, and the harmony created through the placement and interaction of objects and forms.
Reinforced Sugar Sculpture
Behind the Scenes & Making Of
THE LARGEST (FALLEN) SUGAR BIRD - GALLERY INSTALLATION (2006)
Due to its monumental scale and the safety requirements of a public gallery installation, a reinforced metal structure was essential for the sculpture’s foundation. Over five days, approximately 50 kg of white gelatine sugar were carefully applied by hand, layer by layer, to create the final bird form.
Ironically, the largest sugar bird ever created was exhibited in one of Germany’s smallest galleries — the Kunstverein Giessen. Despite the limited working space, there was just enough room to complete the sculpture and bring the artwork to life.