The quotes on the house walls of Weimar are a challenge for attentive walks. They inspire not only to look at gable ends but also to reflect. This quote from Jules Renard made me pensive: “If you know life, please give me its address”. [German]
Category: Public Art
Erika Fuchs & The Beagle Boys
While heading to a Caricature Museum in Krems, I came across this depiction of the Beagle Boys. Its title mentioned Erika Fuchs, who became famous for translating comic stories. Fun fact: This piece stood opposite a jail. [German]
“Steile Lagerung” by Max Kratz
After arriving at Essen Main Station, I came across this sculpture near the station hall. The work “Steile Lagerung” by sculptor Max Kratz reminded me that Essen was one of the largest mining towns in Europe for a certain period. [German]
Finger pulling in Ehrenhausen
On a sunny spring day in 2012, I came across this sculpture in Ehrenhausen. At first view, it looked like public art portraying something fictitious. But this is wrong. It stands for a real sport with official championships: Finger pulling.
‘Hare’ by Jürgen Goertz
This sculpture represents a female hare. It stands on Tiergärtnertorplatz within sight of the Albrecht Dürer House. The artwork was created in 1984 by Jürgen Goertz. In this work, the artist alludes to the painting of the Young Hare by Albrecht Dürer. [German]
The Golden Calf by Hollein
Some years ago, I saw this artwork near the Neue Galerie in Graz. The creator of this piece was Hans Hollein (1934-2014). The striking name of this work with several profound allusions: The Golden Calf (Das goldene Kalb). [German]
“Die Reisende” (Robert Indermaur)
During a winter excursion on a UNESCO World Heritage route in Graubünden, my train stopped in Thusis. An elegant lady was sitting outside on the platform, waiting: “Die Reisende” (The Female Traveller), a work by the Swiss artist Robert Indermaur. [German]
‘Gherkins’ by Erwin Wurm
Salzburg is a very traditional city. Nevertheless, you see a lot of contemporary art in the streets. E.g. the “Gurken” (Gherkins) created by the Austrian artist Erwin Wurm. I like this piece of public art as the pickles seem to have some personality.
Heinrich Harder in Berlin
This illustration of a Triceratops by Heinrich Harder is one of several animal representations on the outer walls of the Aquarium Berlin. It forms an intriguing contrast to the colourful fishes inside.
“Stadtkern” of Graz
In German, we use the same word for the stone of a fruit and the centre of a city: Kern. So we say Stadtkern to talk about downtown. That’s why this public artwork in the Styrian capital made me smile.
“Arschbombe” in Kassel
After leaving Kassel Central Station, I saw this odd detail on a hotel roof: a diving platform! The explanation for this strange view: It’s public art with the title “Arschbombe”. Kassel is truly a hotspot for contemporary art. [German]
“The Little Sandman” in Erfurt
“Please take a seat but be careful, don’t fall asleep!” This sculpture in Erfurt, named Little Sandman (Sandmännchen), refers to a German children’s bedtime television programme using stop motion animation.