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"For Gerhard Mantz, the preoccupation with the 3D-programmes arose from his work as a sculptor. In the beginning he only intended to render optimized drafts for sculptures. After the first experiences he started to enjoy the virtual results which allowed him to construct objects which were not possible to be built in reality – as an image however, they led to unusual results. In the meantime the work with virtual sculptures overtook the real sculpting. Added to the object representations were landscape images, or more precisely, landscape-like images. The textures added to these motives are indeed close to actual landscape and nature but in the definite image the viewer understands the changes to the grasses, stones and nature formations which he knows. (...)"  [Enno Kaufhold, 2001]

Gerhard Mantz generates his virtual landscapes with the computer by means of a 3D modelling process. Starting with essential structures Mantz disguises built structures and spatial situations with the attributes of landscape. The virtual landscapes are characterised (UK spelling) by a dynamic balance between familiar and alienated images. An unsteady relationship between distance and proximity develops in which the viewer is both attracted and rejected.