In early August 2016 a competition proposal for the design of Jeanette-Wolff-Platz, a public space in the town of Dinslaken, was submitted with the title “dennoch aufrecht” (“upright nevertheless”). Jeanette Wolff, a past citizen of Dinslaken who was persecuted by the Nazi regime, displayed a courageous attitude in difficult times, and is a role model for democracy at the heart of Dinslaken’s culture of commemoration. The art concept relates to this background.
of “uprightness”
is represented
by a vertical
stripe of paint
on a tilted stela
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of the preliminary
model
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of the preliminary
model
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of the preliminary
model
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Jeanette-Wolff-Platz
(photo montage)
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Jeanette-Wolff-Platz
(photo montage)
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Jeanette-Wolff-Platz
(photo montage)
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“dennoch aufrecht” is a quote from the history of Dinslaken and at the same time a colour sculpture proposed for a space that is dedicated to remembering. It commemorates Jeanette Wolff, a prominent social democrat of Jewish faith after whom the square is named, as well as other brave citizens who lived in Dinslaken. The function of these citizens as role models points to the future. Thus Jeanette-Wolff-Platz is not only a place of memorial, but also of admonition and encouragement, of self-reassurance and orientation. The aim is that this public space will create a sense of identity and community.
“dennoch aufrecht” is a sculpture that makes a statement. The bundling of eight stelae stands for the community of citizens in lively, constantly changing togetherness. This community of citizens produces a many-faceted image. Thus, with every step that we take, we perceive a constantly changing sculpture. Yet the sculpture is an image not only of a living community but also of attitudes that strengthen this community. The stelae are inclined left or right, forwards or backwards, and thus indicate that a community is exposed to constant influences and disturbances. Yet there is inner uprightness. The stela may be at a tilt, but an absolutely vertical stripe of paint runs from top to bottom. Although the stela may have a tilted contour, it radiates uprightness. “Nevertheless upright” characterised citizens like Jeanette Wolff who had to endure difficult times and bequeathed to us the message that in the future, too, we should display an upright stance towards racism, towards violence derived from political, religious or other views – a stance that we can read from this sculpture in ways that are diverse and that surprise us again and again. The colouring connects the sculpture to Dinslaken, the red-and-white town.
“dennoch aufrecht” consists of eight stelae of flat steel, 40 cm wide and 600 cm high. The stelae are coated with coloured paint and with protection against UV light and graffiti. The footprint of the sculpture measures 1.60 by 1.60 m.