Kreuzblock 1/92/Mahnmal / Cross Block 1/92/Memorial

Visitors come into very direct contact with this memorial in front of Villa Zanders as it literally lies across their path. With no elevating pedestal, a steel cross is positioned directly on the paving stones of the path, covered by a big steel block that leaves only the ends of its arms visible. Both elements are covered in the same rust patina. An information board explains: “In memory of the victims of National Socialism – sculpture and concept of Heinz-Günter Prager square – border inscription Gerhard Rühm – June 1993.” An inscription is engraved in the stones on the ground that is repeated on the board: “The lie of the Auschwitz lie is the most terrible lie.”

Heinz Günter Prager’s sculptures are always based on the human body. By means of abstract lines, surfaces, and volumes, he strives to express elementary human perceptions and experiences, attitudes, and movements. The artist dispenses with pedestals for his sculptures to enable the viewers to relate directly to the artwork in their physicality and perception, as in this memorial.