Unseen Voices: A Thriller by Thomas Schüttes
In the heart of Lübeck, Germany, a powerful symbol of human experiences and societal issues stands tall on the roof of the Music and Congress Hall. "The Strangers," a sculpture created by Thomas Schütte, serves as a poignant reminder of the tragic situation of refugees and the impacts of xenophobia.
The figures in "The Strangers" are life-sized, colourfully glazed ceramic sculptures, featuring two men, a woman, and a child, accompanied by abstracted pieces of luggage. Their schematic body forms and detailed faces convey expressions of shame, despair, fear, and concentration, inviting viewers to reflect on the emotional turmoil refugees often face.
"The Strangers" was inspired by the xenophobia prevalent in Germany during the 1990s, particularly due to attacks on asylum seeker homes. Schütte, a renowned artist, deeply engages with the issue of xenophobia in his work, making the "strangers" visible and tangible to challenge viewers to reconsider their attitudes towards those outside their immediate social or cultural groups.
Through its placement in public spaces, "The Strangers" serves as a call to society to engage with the situation of refugees. The sculpture symbolizes the psychological and physical strain of refugees forced to leave their homes, encouraging reflection on human tragedies often overlooked.
For those interested in learning more about "The Strangers," the website for Art in Public Space Lübeck provides additional information. The sculpture can also be found on Google Maps, located at Willy-Brandt-Allee 10.
"The Strangers" continues to invite viewers to reflect on the impacts of xenophobia, fostering dialogue and potentially transforming social boundaries and prejudices. It is a significant piece that addresses societal issues, serving not only as artistic expression but as a social critique that can open conversations about inclusion, representation, and the consequences of xenophobic attitudes.
[1] Art in Public Space Lübeck [2] Thomas Schütte: The Strangers [3] Documenta IX [4] Xenophobia in Germany [5] Thomas Schütte's Work
- The sculpture "The Strangers," located at Willy-Brandt-Allee 10 in Lübeck, Germany, is a powerful piece of general-news, created by renowned artist Thomas Schütte, addressing the issue of xenophobia that fueled political conflicts and migration concerns in the 1990s.
- The cultural symbol of "The Strangers" not only provokes thought on the emotional turmoil experienced by refugees, but also encourages broader discussions on societal issues such as inclusion, representation, and the mitigation of xenophobic attitudes in today's society.
