You only see what you know (Goethe)
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]
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.
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.
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.
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]
“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.
In 1999 a strange figurine appeared in the city of Salzburg. It had chosen a prominent place under the Cathedral Archway between Domplatz and Kapitelplatz: The sculpture “Pietá” by Czech painter and sculptor Anna Chromy. [German]
This owl is a decoration created by the Swiss artist and architect Bruno Weber. You find it at the Vienna University of Technology Library. The 18-metre-high sculpture and the 16 smaller owls along the attic make the building look like a place of wisdom. [German]
These sculptures in Erfurt show two protagonists from the children’s show ‘Die Sendung mit der Maus‘ (The Show with the Mouse). This TV series explains complex facts in easy-to-understand terms. Informative stories alternate with humourous clips. [German]
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]
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.
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]