Hexenplatz / Witches’ Place

Witches and dark forests go hand in hand in fairy tales, so it’s not surprising that the location and namesake of Lili Fischer’s installation has long been known as Hexenplatz / Witches’ Place. The artist has filled the space with a large cauldron surrounded by open books, as if 13 witches had just been there, brewing their magic potions. The book-like objects are made of ceramic tiles depicting magical signs and symbols, as well as the woodland creatures that are traditionally associated with witches, such as owls, spiders, ravens, and bats.
Across from this space of mythical magic, the second part of the installation depicts the historical reality of the situation: here, there are also 13 ceramic panels in metal frames, which have additionally been provided with benches. The panels show documents from the witch hunts that took place through the 15th-17th century, describing interrogation methods, tortures, and hangings. Within this county alone, 126 people were victims of the religiously motivated witch-mania of the time. They were tortured until they had no other choice but to confess to witchcraft, incriminating themselves and others.
Other props, such as a gate made of pitchforks and a metal water vane, are used to complete the ensemble and create an atmospheric location where history and myth come together. The power of belief and superstition come to mind here, as well as a connection with the surrounding nature, which was the original basis of witchcraft.

Reference: www.waldskulpturenweg.de/skulpturen/hexenplatz/die-skulptur/
Literature: WaldSkulpturenWeg, ed. by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft WaldSkulpturenWeg, Text by Uwe Rüth, Cologne 2011