On Saturday, 13 June, from 8 pm, the second of three artworks from the "Ortskundig" project will be ceremonially inaugurated on the intervention area under the viaduct, Annaberger Straße/Beckerstraße: the artwork "Treib Gut Rettungsring" by Christoph Roßner.
Interested citizens and representatives of the media are cordially invited to attend.
The sculpture consists of 22 metal arches made of stainless steel tubing (largest diameter approx. two metres), which are attached to the foundation as cut circular arches. Approximately 165 oak planks are screwed to the metal arches from the inside and outside. The object is illuminated at night to create light effects, reflections and shadow play in the dark.
Christoph Roßner: "The object suggests the interface between two elements (earth - air, or water - air) and thus at the same time a potentially explosive situation for humans and animals. The flotsam, forming a ring shape, tells comparatively of the ambivalence of life, of the fine line between hope and despair, between rescue and "getting lost". Flooding, trees floating in the water, debris, entire parts of houses, cars, etc. bear witness on the one hand to the powerful, constant forces of nature, to the destruction caused by natural disasters. On the other hand, flotsam, wooden planks, canisters etc. offer a chance of rescue or survival for all living creatures in such a threatening situation. This idea of a "flotsam lifebuoy" as a hopeful image became my driving personal intention for this object."
Interested artists came together for the "Ortskundig" art project organised by the Chemnitz Artists' Association. The idea was to involve the public in the creative process right from the start, as art in public spaces should also be experienced and appreciated by society. The aim of the project is not only to create a sense of connection with the artistic object, but also to strengthen the feeling of belonging to the community.
The first work of art to be inaugurated was the six metre high stainless steel sculpture "Yesterday is today becomes tomorrow" by Ronald Münch on the forecourt of the Hartmannfabrik.
The third work of art, a metal object around nine metres long by Peggy Albrecht, will be erected at the Chemnitz Valley cycle path rest area. Entitled "Tandem for all", the life-size, free-standing silhouette made of Corten steel will visualise the different characters of cyclists.
The cost of the three works of art, including the installation, is 300,000 euros.
"Ortskundig" is a project by the Chemnitzer Künstlerbund e. V. as part of the European Capital of Culture Chemnitz 2025, which is funded by the City of Chemnitz through a special-purpose art grant under the aspect of "Art on the River". This enabled three regionally based artists to create works of art on three intervention areas.
