German artist Günther Uecker, renowned for his spiritual approach to art and innovative use of nails as a sculptural material, died on Tuesday at age 95 in a Düsseldorf hospital. His family confirmed the death to German news agency dpa, though no cause was given. Uecker was a key member of the Zero Group, which sought to reset art to a "zero base," and his work ranged from nail-covered surfaces to pianos, chairs, and television sets. He also designed a prayer room for Berlin's Reichstag and participated in major exhibitions including Documenta 4 and the Venice Biennale.
Uecker's death marks the loss of a pioneering figure who transformed humble industrial nails into meditative, existential works exploring light, shadow, and purification. His association with the influential Zero Group and his ability to bridge spiritual inquiry with material experimentation cemented his place in postwar art history. His work remains in major collections worldwide, including MoMA, the Guggenheim, and Tate Modern, ensuring his legacy endures.