Der Wettbewerb / The Competition

This conceptual work by Jochen Gerz marks the starting and end point of the WaldSkulpturenWeg, simultaneously creating a connection between the cities of Bad Berleburg and Schmallenberg. The residents of the two cities are divided by denomination, growing cultural structures, and the Rothaarkamm mountain range. This piece places them in permanent and visible dialogue.
The artist challenged the people of each city to write letters to the other and report on their experiences, feelings, and encounters. The total of 69 letters were then mounted on red signs in front of the authors’ houses in the opposite city. In addition, a description and explanation of the work can be found at the Rathaus in either location.
Through this project, people in Schmallenberg now have a permanent and completely individual presence in Bad Berleburg and vice versa. This mental and emotional bridge across the 23 km separating the cities may provide a greater sense of connectedness or, in the best scenario, a fundamentally greater openness towards each other.

Reference: www.waldskulpturenweg.de/skulpturen/der-wettbewerb/die-skulptur/
Further reading: WaldSkulpturenWeg, ed. by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft WaldSkulpturenWeg, texts by Uwe Rüth, Cologne 2011.