Schweigen / Silence

Two superimposed words are written in uppercase block letters along the bridge from Friedrichstraße to Ostendorf-Gymnasium. Hovering above the water, the two overlapping blue neon signs read “Schwimmen” / “Swimming” and “Fliegen” / “Flying.” Each sign independently gets brighter and dimmer, changing the overall appearance of the installation: at times, an approaching observer may be able to decipher the word “Schweigen” / “Silence,” which seems to magically appear as a command, an enchantment, or an omen.

From the mundanity of the two “real” words, a secret emerges, a notion of longing. The “image” is in a constant state of change, since the words’ appearance and disappearance are controlled independently of each other through dimmers. The text is mirrored on the water surface, doubling the image below the bridge.

Original German text: Dirk Raulf (curator)

Additional information: www.lippstadt.de/kultur/kultur/Lichtpromenade.php