The mastery of conversation
Here's a fresh take on the article:
Hop on over to the park of Cologne's Municipal Gallery and get ready for an engaging conversation about freedom and democracy with artist Paul Schwer! Six months ago, he showcased his acrylic glass tube with painted color patches and perforated sheets at the gallery's ground floor. Now, a larger version of that tube is temporarily erected next to Schwer's sculpture "Passerelle".
This grand installation, titled "Weststream", is a walkable tube structure that's been making its way through Lower Rhine's public spaces, popping up in spots like the gardens of Goch Museum and Städtische Galerie im Park in Viersen.
Weststream aims to breathe new life into the area between the Maas and Rhine, emphasizing the significance of "freedom and democracy". The transparent acrylic glass sections will transform sunlight into a vibrant display of colored light and shadows, becoming reminiscent of the enormous tubes that will soon flood open-cast mines with Rhine water. Additionally, these fragments symbolize the cultural lifelines in Europe's border regions, where creative forces continue to flow freely.
Join Paul Schwer on June 27th, 7 PM, at the white villa in the town park to dive deep into discussions on ecological, economic, and contemporary issues faced by this European region. Don't forget to swing by for a groovy performance from Koan & The Disciples of Joy!
Weststream serves as the follow-up to Schwer's pipeline "Nordstream 3", created in 2023 for Kunstverein Rügen's exhibition "Empty/Full". Its five locations throughout the "Freedom" theme year aim to make the cultural landscape of the Lower Rhine visible and tangible.
Paul Schwer's interactive "Weststream" installation has been Making Waves in the Lower Rhine region, encouraging joint experiences and knocking down barriers between art and spectators. The sculpture's temporary and mobile nature gives it the adaptability it needs to cater to various local contexts, making it accessible to diverse audiences.
Equipped with ample opportunities for public engagement, Weststream symbolizes openness, accessibility, and fosters dialogue. By nestling itself within public spaces, the installation emphasizes democratic values and makes art open to all, mirroring the signature spirit of the Lower Rhine region.
In the Lower Rhine region, the interactive "Weststream" installation, a follow-up to Paul Schwer's Nordstream 3, is not only making waves in the art world but also stirring conversations in politics and general-news circles. The temporary and mobile sculpture, currently stationed at Cologne's Municipal Gallery, serves as a testament to the region's commitment to openness, accessibility, and democratic values, fostering dialogue between art and spectators.
