Mülheimer Gruppe / Mülheim group

Robert Schad’s multipart fountain sculpture is located in front of the Stadthalle Mülheim and looks more like a spontaneous gathering than a static construction. The three different groups of elements seem to come together here to form a dialogue. First, there are 24 “tripods” with points at the top, which are distributed in and around the fountain. Second, there are four horizontal steel elements, shaped with obtuse angles and spread out in the water. Third, six hook-shaped water spouts are installed around the fountain basin.
The loosely grouped steel elements demonstrate the fountain’s attractive force, which is enhanced by the actual flowing momentum of the water. Its intensity depends on the daylight: in sunshine, it flows with full force in high arches; it slows to a trickle when it is overcast. In this way, the fountain appears to be a polymorphic organism, influenced by different forces. It reflects the movement, energies, and forces of this location, such as the people who meet in front of the Stadthalle, mirroring them in an abstract choreography.

Further reading:
Public Art Ruhr. Die Metropole Ruhr und die Kunst im öffentlichen Raum. Eds. Walter Smerling and Ferdinand Ulrich on behalf of the RuhrKunstMuseen, Cologne 2012, ISBN 978-3-8632-134-0, pp. 160–161.