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.
Category: Public Art
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.
“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.
“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.
“Pietá” by Anna Chromy
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]
Owl at a library in Vienna
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]
“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]
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]
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.
“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 town in Europe for a certain period. [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]
‘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]