Willi Reiche

Blacksmith

Finding meaning in machines beyond function

Willi builds kinetic sculptures from discarded objects
Humour and critical thought are central to his art
His work is meticulously composed and not chaotic

Willi Reiche specialises in building machines that aim to draw smiles and open dialogues. "In a world that constantly chases efficiency, I like to follow a different rhythm," he explains. Willi's machines have no practical purpose, yet are filled with meaning. He creates his sculptures using old tools, forgotten devices and metal pieces marked by time. With care and precision, Willi combines them into kinetic constructions that are not capable of problem-solving, but actively invite reflection. They wobble, they spin, they click and they whisper stories from another era to provoke a different way of thinking. "I am intrigued to know what could happen when I take something seemingly useless, and put it to serious use," he says. This quiet curiosity and respect for what is overlooked turn each of Willi's works into a poetic experience.

Interview

Why did you choose to work with machines?: I build machines because they create encounters. They are not still nor silent. Machines invite you to watch closely and to listen carefully. Their movements become a form of dialogue that rhythmically repeats and slowly unfolds, drawing you into something unexpected.
What impact do you hope your machines will have?: Humour is a conscious choice of mine. It draws people closer and paves the way for conversation. Through playfulness, I can express thoughts that might otherwise be perceived as too sharp or too strange. A laugh invites people to look more than once.
Is your work driven by nostalgia?: Not really. I pay less attention to preserving old objects and more to using them to offer a fresh perspective on the present. These objects do not hold memories, they act as playful tools for commentaries on today’s world.
What is the biggest misconception about your work?: People think my process is chaotic or improvised. At first glance, it might seem like pure chance, but the truth is that everything is carefully put together. Every angle, every movement and every sound is thoughtfully arranged. Working with these objects does not feel like engineering – it feels like composing a piece of music.

Willi Reiche is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1982