Zafou (Tzaphon)

Dani Karavan’s 20-ton steel sculpture Zafou / Tzaphon is located in front of the Landtag’s main entrance. Originally conceived as a fountain, Zafou / Tzaphon consists of a massive circular cast iron disc with an embedded rail dividing it down the middle. The large disc is tilted downward away from the building and towards the path, where it ends flat in the ground of the Platz des Landtags. The unusual double title simultaneously addresses several aspects of the artwork. In Hebrew, for example, “tzaphon” is associated with the direction north and makes reference to the rail embedded in the cast iron plate, which runs in a north-south direction.

The first title Zafou, on the other hand, refers to the circular shape of the sculpture. In Asia, “zafou” refers to the traditional round seat cushion used for meditation. The Israeli artist is known for site-specific works that enable spaces to be experienced and perceived in a new way. His large-format works often refer to the history of the respective place. This sculpture is located in front of the new Landtag building, which opened just two years earlier. With is installation, Karavan adopts the building’s basic architectural form – the circle – and directs the viewer’s attention towards it. The government building itself is designed to evoke openness and transparency. (Text: Stefanie Ippendorf)

Reference: www.landtag.nrw.de