German artist born at Fritzlar, who soon moved with his family to Luxembourg. He graduated from high school and moved again, to Hamburg, where he attended the Hochschule für Bildende Kunste. Balkenhol is most known for his figurative sculptures carved from single blocks of wood and hand-painted in a rough manner. He often produces sculptures to be exhibited in public places. His wooden sculptures of anonymous unremarkable men and women counteract through their mundane nature and rigid impersonality the glorious expression of famous heroes. Balkenhol had numerous solo exhibitions, and participates frequently in group shows. Since his participation in the exhibition “Skulptur Projekte Münster”, in 1987, he has received international recognition.