"Kunst findet Stadt -"Art Finds the City" 2

"Kunst findet Stadt - Thema Demokratie" /"Art Finds the City" – 

Theme: Democracy

23/05 - September 15/09/2026: Works in public spaces

11/07 - September 15/09/2026: Works in shop windows

(opening was 11 July 2026)

Center of Rheinbach (NRW), Germany

With "Kunst findet Stadt," the city of Rheinbach is initiating a multi-month cultural project that deliberately blurs the boundaries between public space, everyday life, and contemporary art. True to the guiding principle "Art is where you are," the city itself becomes an exhibition space: streets and squares become stages, shop windows curated presentation areas—in short, "the city becomes a gallery."The center will be transformed into an open, freely accessible art landscape. A total of 29 artistic positions, including twelve installations in public spaces and 17 works as part of a shop window exhibition, will enter into direct dialogue with the urban space and society. The exhibition is continu-ously accompanied by tours, lectures and concerts.

About the work

As mentioned in the previously post , I had the opportunity to create two works for this event.

The first work is a graphic work entitled " Eine andere Sichtweise - A Different Perspective" (No15) which can be seen at the optician's shop Optik Ansichtweise, Hauptstraße 55., Rheinbach.

With "Eine andere Sichtweise - A Different Perspective," I depart from the focus of my previous artistic work and develops a graphic visual language that employs a metaphorical narrative. Birds become stand-ins for people with diverse personalities, experiences, and worldviews. Together, they sit on a rope that provides support and simultaneously symbolizes the foundation of a democratic society. Democracy thrives on diversity and differing opinions. It requires the willingness to form majorities without losing sight of minorities and to respect other perspectives. Tolerance, empathy, and mutual respect create the stability that enables peaceful coexistence.

The second work is the spatial installation "Die Pflanze der Demokratie hegen - Nurturing the Plant of Democracy," (No21) which is exhibited in the shop window of the optician's shop Optik Schulz, Hauptstraße 12, Rheinbach.

The installation uses simple, everyday objects to explore the fundamental principles of a democratic society. Two chairs facing each other, a table, and a potted plant form a minimalist arrangement that emphasizes dialogue and cooperation. The plant symbolizes democracy. Like any living plant, it needs attention, care, and suitable conditions to grow and thrive. Democracy is not a static state, but an ongoing process that requires commitment and respon- sibility. The two chairs are equal: they are the same distance from the table and at the same height. They symbolize people with different opinions, political convictions, and perspectives. Democracy thrives on the acceptance of these differences and the ability to find common solutions through respectful exchange.The white table alludes to the search for consensus and peaceful coexistence. The work deliberately avoids explicit labels or explanations. Instead, the installation invites viewers to interpret the symbolism themselves and reflect on the conditions necessary for democracy to endure.

Both works inviting the viewers to continually question their own viewpoint and consider things from a different perspective. It serves as a reminder that everyone is part of a community—unique in their own perspective and yet connected by the shared responsibility of maintaining balance.